PV Ramp Rate Control via Cloud Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic energy systems face challenges in maintaining compliance with ramp rate requirements due to sudden changes in solar intensity, leading to potential de-rating and increased costs associated with high-performance electrical power storage and discharge components.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic energy system equipped with cloud detectors and a controller that predicts disturbances in power output, allowing for preemptive adjustments in power output to comply with ramp rate requirements without relying on expensive battery storage by initiating ramp-downs before actual decreases occur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery storage is used to comply with ramp rate requirements, then ramp rate compliance is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp rate complianceVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting approaching clouds before they reach the photovoltaic field and preemptively adjusting power output to comply with ramp rate requirements. This anticipatory approach eliminates the need for battery storage by preparing the system in advance of disturbances, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces cloud detectors as an intermediary component that provides advance warning of upcoming disturbances. This mediator enables the control system to take preemptive action without requiring expensive battery storage, thus achieving ramp rate compliance while reducing system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high-performance batteries are used for rapid discharge, then ramp rate compliance is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp rate complianceVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting approaching clouds before they reach the photovoltaic field and preemptively adjusting power output to comply with ramp rate requirements. This anticipatory approach eliminates the need for battery storage by preparing the system in advance of disturbances, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own predictive capabilities and control mechanisms to maintain ramp rate compliance without relying on external battery storage infrastructure. By serving itself through intelligent prediction and adjustment, the system reduces operational costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If reactive ramp rate control is used, then response time is improved, but ramp rate compliance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidramp rate compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting approaching clouds before they reach the photovoltaic field and preemptively adjusting power output to comply with ramp rate requirements. This anticipatory approach eliminates the need for battery storage by preparing the system in advance of disturbances, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting the expected power output drop before it occurs. By detecting approaching clouds and preemptively reducing power output, the system prevents ramp rate violations rather than reacting to them after they occur, thus improving both response time and compliance reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This approach enables photovoltaic energy systems to maintain ramp rate compliance without the need for costly battery storage, reducing operational expenses and enhancing grid stability by anticipating and managing power output changes proactively.

Implementation Method 1

Photovoltaic energy systems are used to convert solar energy into electricity using solar panels or other materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

one or more cloud detectors configured to detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10564610B2Photovoltaic energy system with preemptive ramp rate control

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 CON EDISON BATTERY STORAGE LLC

AI summary

A photovoltaic energy system includes a photovoltaic field configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, cloud detectors configured to detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller uses the cloud detectors to predict a disturbance in the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system. The controller determines a time at which the disturbance is expected to occur and determines an amount by which the electric power output is expected to decrease. The controller can preemptively adjust the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system in accordance with a predetermined ramp rate.