Power Control System for Virtual Storage Cell Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power companies face challenges in efficiently managing peak and off-peak power demand, leading to oversupply during late night hours and increased costs, as existing systems lack effective methods to utilize surplus power generated during low demand periods.

Innovation Solution

A power control system that includes a storage cell and a power control apparatus, allowing allocation of predetermined storage capacities to consumer facilities, enabling charging and discharging instructions to be received and managed, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing electricity charges through virtual storage cell utilization agreements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a base-load power source is used to generate power throughout the year, then stable power supply is achieved, but oversupply occurs during late night hours when demand decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable power supplyVSAvoidoversupply of power
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary storage cell charges in advance during late night hours when power demand is low and electricity rates are reduced, storing surplus power generated by the base-load power source. This preliminary action prevents energy waste by capturing excess power before peak demand periods occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal distribution of power consumption by shifting charging operations to late night hours and discharging during daytime peak demand periods. This parameter change in consumption timing resolves the contradiction between stable power supply and energy oversupply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If consumers shift power demand to late night hours to reduce electricity charges, then cost savings are achieved, but the need for stationary storage cells increases initial investment costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity chargesVSAvoidinitial installation costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary storage cell serves multiple functions: it stores power during low-demand periods, supplies power during peak demand periods, and enables consumers to benefit from reduced electricity charges. This multi-functionality justifies the initial investment by delivering diverse value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage cell autonomously manages charging and discharging operations based on power demand patterns and electricity rate structures, automatically shifting power consumption to achieve cost savings without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a stationary storage cell is installed at consumer facilities, then power demand can be shifted to low-rate periods, but initial installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower demand optimizationVSAvoidinitial installation costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives information about power demand patterns and electricity rates, then adjusts charging and discharging operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism optimizes power demand management to maximize cost savings and justify the initial installation investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The storage cell system dynamically adapts its operation based on varying power demand conditions and electricity rate structures, shifting charging and discharging timing to optimize economic benefits and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively reduces electricity charges for consumer facilities by shifting power demand to low-rate periods and providing a backup power source during peak demand times, while also easing peak load demands and reducing the need for initial storage cell installation costs.

Implementation Method 1

a storage cell configured to allow allocation of predetermined storage capacities to a plurality of consumer facilities each including a load apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11258259B2Power control system, power control apparatus, and power control method
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 KYOCERA CORP
  • US11258259B2 patent drawing
  • US11258259B2 patent drawing
  • US11258259B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power control system includes a storage cell and a power control apparatus. The storage cell is configured to allow allocation of predetermined storage capacities to a plurality of consumer facilities each including a load apparatus. The power control apparatus including a controller configured to control charging and discharging of the storage cell. The controller receives a charging or discharging instruction for the storage cell from the plurality of consumer facilities. The controller accepts a charging or discharging instruction newly received from one of the plurality of consumer facilities when an aggregated charging and discharging amount falls within a storage capacity allocated to the one of the plurality of consumer facilities.