Multiphase Energy Storage System for Phase Load Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems are inefficient in controlling energy use at electric load locations, requiring impractical quantities of storage mediums and often leading to phase imbalances in multiphase power distribution, which can damage equipment and reduce transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase distributed energy storage system that operates semi-autonomously, using bidirectional power converters and a cloud-based optimization engine to monitor and balance power across phases, optimizing energy discharge during peak demand and recharging during off-peak hours to reduce peak power from the grid and balance phase loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple timer or single demand set-point control is used in energy storage systems, then the control method is simple and easy to implement, but an impractical quantity of energy storage capacity is required and the system runs out of energy storage availability due to over-reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting the demand set-point based on real-time monitoring of energy storage availability and actual demand conditions. The system transitions from static single set-point control to dynamic multi-set-point control, where the set-point values are adjusted in response to changing system states, thereby optimizing energy storage utilization and preventing over-reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring the state of energy storage components and actual demand patterns, then using this information to adjust control decisions. The system evaluates energy storage availability and demand conditions continuously, feeding this information back into the control algorithm to optimize charging and discharging decisions, thus reducing the total energy storage capacity required.
2Ease of operation
If energy storage systems use simple control methods with single demand set-point, then the system is easier to operate, but the energy storage system runs out of energy storage availability due to over-reaction of controlling components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control strategies that adapt to real-time conditions, adjusting the demand set-point based on current energy storage state and demand patterns. This dynamic approach prevents over-reaction by continuously evaluating system state, thereby maintaining reliable energy storage availability while keeping the control system relatively simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring energy storage availability and demand conditions, then adjusting control decisions accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents over-reaction of controlling components by providing real-time information about system state, ensuring that control actions are appropriate to current conditions and maintaining energy storage reliability.
3Loss of energy
If energy storage systems are used to offset demand peaks, then energy costs are reduced, but phase imbalance occurs in multiphase power distribution which can damage equipment and reduce transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by independently managing power delivery to each phase of the multiphase power distribution system. The system monitors and controls power delivery to each phase separately, adjusting local power distribution to maintain balance across all phases while still achieving demand peak offset. This phase-by-phase control prevents phase imbalance from occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust power delivery to each phase in real-time based on current phase balance conditions and demand patterns. By continuously monitoring phase imbalances and dynamically adjusting power distribution, the system maintains phase balance while achieving energy cost reduction through demand peak management.
4Productivity
If large quantities of energy storage mediums are deployed, then peak demand can be offset more effectively, but the system becomes more expensive and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action control by using demand set-points that offset a portion of peak demand rather than attempting to eliminate all peak demand. This approach uses energy storage capacity more efficiently by targeting specific demand levels, achieving effective peak demand offset with smaller, more practical energy storage quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy storage utilization by dynamically changing operational parameters such as demand set-point values based on real-time conditions. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve effective peak demand offset with reduced energy storage capacity by making intelligent decisions about when and how much to charge and discharge.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may include control methods employed in multiphase distributed energy storage systems that are located behind utility meters typically located at, but not limited to, medium and large commercial and industrial locations. These multiphase distributed energy storage systems can operate semi-autonomously, but may be in frequent contact with a cloud-based optimization engine that is configured to develop energy control solutions based on various data inputs and to communicate these energy control solutions to one or more of the distributed energy storage systems. Due to characteristics of the electric load location and/or the use of on-site power generation, imbalances in the power draw per phase can be created within the electric load location. Therefore, embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods that are used to control and/or limit the imbalance in power flowing through one phase versus other phases at the electric load location.