Renewable Power Control with Battery Charging for Reverse Flow Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power control systems for renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic devices, often result in wasted energy due to complete shutdown or output suppression, leading to financial losses for consumers, as they are required to stop reverse power flow to maintain contract terms with electric power companies.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that includes a monitoring unit to track generated and purchased power, an output control unit to suppress power generation when purchased power falls below a certain threshold, and a storage power control unit to charge batteries when the threshold is exceeded, allowing for more efficient use of renewable energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power generation device is completely stopped or output is suppressed to prevent reverse power flow, then the contract terms with the electric power company are adhered to, but a part of the renewable energy that should have been available is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management into three distinct control modes based on power balance conditions: power suppression mode (when purchased power < first threshold), power storage mode (when first threshold ≤ purchased power < second threshold), and normal mode (when purchased power ≥ second threshold). This segmentation allows the system to selectively apply different control strategies, preventing complete energy waste while ensuring contract compliance when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by monitoring the purchased power amount and transitioning between different control modes based on threshold comparisons. When the purchased power amount falls between the first and second thresholds, the system switches from power suppression to power storage mode, utilizing the storage battery to absorb excess generated power instead of wasting it, thus adapting the system's behavior to current power conditions.
2Reliability
If the output of the power generation device is suppressed to prevent reverse power flow, then the contract terms with the electric power company are adhered to, but financial loss occurs for the consumer
Solution Approach 1:
The storage battery serves as an intermediary component between the power generation device and the load device. When the purchased power amount is between the first and second thresholds, the storage battery absorbs the excess generated power that would otherwise be wasted, acting as a buffer that prevents reverse power flow while preserving the generated energy for later use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of the storage battery when power is available (purchased power between first and second thresholds) before the need arises for additional power. This preliminary action ensures that energy is stored in advance when generation exceeds consumption, preventing both waste and subsequent financial loss when generation is insufficient.
3Productivity
If the power generation device operates at full capacity, then maximum renewable energy utilization is achieved, but reverse power flow may occur violating contract terms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the purchased power amount and provides feedback to adjust the power generation output or storage charging accordingly. When the monitored purchased power falls between the first and second thresholds, the system responds by directing excess generated power to charge the storage battery, preventing reverse power flow while maintaining high productivity during periods of sufficient power demand.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control system, which enables more effective utilization of electrical power generated by using renewable energy, includes a monitoring unit, an output control unit, and a power storage control unit. The monitoring unit monitors the amount of electrical power generated by a power generation device using renewable energy and the amount of electrical power purchased by a consumer through utility grid. When the amount of purchased electrical power is less than a first threshold on the basis of a monitoring result of the monitoring unit, the output control unit suppresses output of electrical power generated by the power generation device. When the amount of the purchased electrical power is less than a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold on the basis of the monitoring result, the power storage control unit charges a storage battery with the generated electrical power outputted by the power generation device.