Renewable Energy Plant Automatic Generation Control Forecasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are intermittent, making it difficult for electric power plants equipped with energy storage devices to predict and manage energy production effectively, which hampers their integration into real-time electrical grid systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a forecast of predicted energy production by an electric power plant with a renewable energy resource and energy storage device, calculate the range of automatic generation controls based on the forecast and current state of charge, and signal this range to a central utility controlling the power grid, allowing for optimized energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy resources are used to provide large scale electricity, then environmental effects are reduced, but intermittency reduces the ability to balance load and production on a real time basis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining forecasts of predicted energy production and calculating ranges of automatic generation controls in advance of real-time operation. The energy storage device is charged or discharged proactively based on forecasted production levels, allowing the system to prepare for intermittent renewable energy variations before they occur, thereby maintaining grid reliability while preserving environmental benefits
2Reliability
If energy storage devices are added to renewable energy power plants, then the ability to manage energy production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device serves multiple functions within the system: it stores excess energy when production exceeds demand, releases energy when production falls short, and provides automatic generation control to balance load and production. This multi-functionality manages energy production effectively while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
3Loss of information
If forecasts of predicted energy production are calculated and ranges of automatic generation controls are determined, then communication of energy capabilities to the grid is enhanced, but calculation and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates forecasts of predicted energy production and determines ranges of automatic generation controls in advance, before real-time grid operation begins. This preliminary calculation allows comprehensive energy capability information to be prepared and communicated to the grid operator ahead of time, reducing real-time processing requirements and minimizing information loss while managing time constraints
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an operation of an electric power plant comprising a renewable energy resource and an energy storage device. The method may comprise determining, at a first time, a forecast of predicted energy production by the electric power plant over a time period subsequent to the first time based on a forecast for the time period; detecting a current state of charge of the energy storage device; calculating a range of automatic generation controls the electric power plant is capable of satisfying for the time period based on the forecast of predicted energy production and the detected current state of charge of the energy storage device; and signaling, from the electric power plant to a central utility controlling a power grid, the range of automatic generation controls the electric power plant is capable of satisfying for the time period.