Renewable UPS Power Routing for Grid Failure Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional renewable power systems disconnect during electric grid failures, failing to provide reliable power and backup energy, and lack control over power source balancing and storage options based on time, utility rates, and demand.
Innovation Solution
An uninterruptible power system (UPS) that integrates renewable energy sources, energy storage, and utility grid power, using a controller to manage power flow, store excess energy, and prioritize power sources based on availability and economic considerations, ensuring continuous power supply and efficient energy routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If renewable power systems are integrated with the utility grid, then excess power can be fed back to the grid and economic benefits can be achieved, but the system must shut off during grid failures which compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power flow paths by separating the grid-connected inverter from the battery storage system. This allows the renewable power system to simultaneously connect to the grid for excess power export while maintaining an independent battery backup path that activates during grid failures, thus resolving the contradiction between energy utilization and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery storage system acts as an intermediary between the renewable power source and the load. It buffers the disconnect between grid operation and load requirements, absorbing excess power when available and providing power during grid failures, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling grid interaction
2Reliability
If battery storage is added to provide backup power during grid failures, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery storage system is designed to perform multiple functions: it charges from excess renewable power during normal operation, provides backup power during grid failures, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the grid-connected inverter. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse benefits from a single integrated solution
3Productivity
If the system continuously monitors and manages multiple power sources and storage, then optimal power distribution is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operational status of the utility grid, charge state of the battery, and power generation from renewable sources. Based on this feedback, it automatically adjusts power flow directions, charging/discharging rates, and inverter operation to optimize power distribution efficiency while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply includes an input configured to be coupled to a renewable power source and an energy storage component configured to receive and store energy and to provide stored power. Power circuitry is configured to receive the renewable power and the stored power and provide output power to a load. A controller coupled to the power circuitry determines whether an amount of available renewable power exceeds the output power level provided to the load and, if so, provides excess power from the renewable power to the stored energy component.