Power Ramp Control With Prediction In Solar Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling power ramps in intermittent power generation plants, such as photovoltaic solar plants, often result in excessive battery cycling and non-compliance with grid code regulations due to poor prediction of weather-induced power fluctuations, leading to increased investment costs and reduced storage system lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the maximum and minimum power production limits within a prediction time horizon, dynamically adjusts the state of charge of the energy storage system to account for the energy required to support fluctuations, and ensures the battery is never completely discharged or overcharged, thereby optimizing energy storage usage and compliance with grid code regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is used to support maximum power fluctuations without prediction, then the maximum admissible ramp requirements can be met, but the battery cycles excessively and may be fully discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of power fluctuations using weather forecasts and historical data before the actual fluctuations occur. This allows the control system to proactively adjust the state of charge of the battery, preventing excessive cycling and full discharge while ensuring compliance with grid code ramp requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual power generation, predicted fluctuations, and battery state of charge, then adjusts the battery control strategy in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the battery is charged or discharged only when necessary to meet ramp requirements, reducing unnecessary cycling and extending battery lifespan.
2Reliability
If the battery is charged and discharged frequently to handle unpredictable fluctuations, then grid stability is maintained, but investment costs increase due to reduced storage system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
By predicting power fluctuations in advance using weather forecasts and historical data, the system prepares the battery state of charge before fluctuations occur. This prevents reactive charging/discharging cycles, reducing the frequency of battery operations and extending storage system lifespan, thereby reducing investment costs while maintaining grid stability.
3Speed
If the maximum plant power and minimum plant power are calculated without prediction time horizon, then the control response is immediate, but the battery may be fully discharged or overcharged
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates maximum and minimum plant power within a prediction time horizon using weather forecasts and historical data, rather than reacting to immediate fluctuations. This preliminary calculation allows the control system to anticipate future power levels and adjust battery state of charge proactively, preventing full discharge or overcharge while maintaining appropriate control response speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling power ramps with prediction in intermittent power generation plants, such as, for example, a photovoltaic solar plant, which minimizes the storage capacity required for compliance with the maximum ramp requirements for power fluctuation as well as the cycling of said storage systems, thus extending its lifespan and also reducing associated energy losses, thus reducing investment costs in the plant, such that, in order to achieve the same maximum fluctuation ramp, a minor use is made of the energy storage system.