Renewable Power Reserve Dispatch Through Dynamic Curtailment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Renewable power systems, such as photovoltaic systems, operate at varying capacities, making it difficult to determine and maintain a portion of reserve power capable of dispatch at a given time when operating at less than maximum capacity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing power devices that can operate in first and second modes: maximum power output and curtailed power output, with a system management device estimating total available power by selectively controlling these devices and using historical and real-time data for accurate power reserve estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the renewable power system operates at maximum capacity, then power production is maximized, but the reserve power available for future dispatch is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower productionVSAvoidreserve power
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by intentionally curtailing power output below maximum capacity during periods of low demand, thereby pre-storing reserve power capability that can be rapidly dispatched when needed. This proactive management of power output levels allows the system to maintain readiness for future dispatch needs without sacrificing long-term productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the renewable power system curtails power output to maintain reserve, then reserve power is increased, but power production is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereserve powerVSAvoidpower production
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by continuously adjusting power device operating modes based on real-time grid conditions and dispatch needs. Power devices can dynamically switch between maximum power output mode and curtailed output mode, allowing the system to optimize the balance between current power production and reserve power availability rather than operating in fixed states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors grid conditions, power device status, and reserve power estimates to make informed decisions about power device operation. This feedback loop enables the system to respond appropriately to changing conditions, adjusting curtailment levels to maintain optimal reserve power while minimizing impact on overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the system attempts to determine reserve power capability, then dispatch readiness improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispatch readinessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by having individual power devices autonomously report their operating mode and power output status to the controller. Each power device independently tracks its own reserve power capability based on its operational state, eliminating the need for complex centralized monitoring systems while maintaining accurate system-wide reserve power estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12603508B2Reserve dispatch power management
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD
  • US12603508B2 patent drawing
  • US12603508B2 patent drawing
  • US12603508B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power system may comprise a plurality of power sources, each connected to a corresponding power device. The power devices may be connected in series or in parallel. Each power device may comprise input terminals connected to the corresponding power source, output terminals, and a power circuit (e.g., a power converter) that may be configured to convert input power from the corresponding power source to output power. The power regulator may further comprise a regulator communications module that may be configured to receive a power regulation indication relating to regulating an operational characteristic of the power regulator. The regulator controller may be configured to instruct the power converter to increase or decrease the regulator operational characteristic based on the power regulation indication, and based on power production characteristics of the power regulator. The change the operational characteristics may be used to estimate reserved power of the system.