Residential Battery Offloading for Peak Grid Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources into power grids has led to reduced predictability and stability, as these sources are intermittent and lack the mechanical inertia of traditional energy sources, resulting in challenges for grid operators to manage power quality and prevent shortages or blackouts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows energy storage appliances, such as rechargeable batteries, to be electrically connected to residential power networks, enabling grid operators to offload residential energy demand during peak times or energy shortages, thereby reducing the load on the grid and stabilizing energy prices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy sources (wind and solar) are integrated into the power grid, then environmental friendliness is improved, but reliability and predictability of power supply deteriorate due to intermittency and lack of mechanical inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage system (batteries, flywheels, or other storage devices) between the intermittent renewable energy sources and the power grid. This intermediary stores excess energy when renewable generation is high and releases energy when generation is low, thereby maintaining grid reliability while preserving the environmental benefits of renewable sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively storing energy in advance of predicted demand peaks or renewable generation shortfalls. The controller forecasts future energy needs and renewable availability, then charges storage devices beforehand to ensure reliable power supply when needed, rather than reacting to shortages after they occur.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inverter-based renewable energy resources are used to replace traditional mechanical inertia sources, then environmental sustainability is improved, but frequency and voltage stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system acts as a mediator that provides synthetic inertia and frequency regulation services to the grid. The controller monitors grid frequency and voltage in real-time and commands the storage devices to release or absorb energy to counteract deviations, thereby maintaining stability without requiring mechanical inertia from traditional generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control by monitoring grid frequency and voltage parameters and automatically adjusting the discharge/charge state of energy storage devices. When frequency or voltage deviates from acceptable ranges, the controller receives feedback signals and commands the storage system to counteract the deviation, restoring stability to the grid.
3Stability of the object's composition
If energy storage appliances are mandatorily connected to residential power networks for grid support, then grid stability is improved, but customer autonomy and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, mandatory connection model to a dynamic, flexible arrangement. Customers can opt-in or opt-out of the energy storage program based on their needs. The system adapts its operation mode - when customers opt-in, storage devices are integrated to provide grid support; when customers opt-out, the system respects customer autonomy and does not mandate connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system is designed with multi-functionality to serve both grid stability needs and customer benefits. It can operate in grid-support mode when customers opt-in, providing frequency regulation and voltage stabilization. When customers opt-out, the system still functions but without mandatory integration, allowing customers to maintain full autonomy over their energy operations.
4Reliability
If additional power capacity is added to meet demand during renewable energy shortages, then power supply reliability is improved, but system costs and economic efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of building additional power capacity in advance, the system uses preliminary action by storing energy in distributed residential storage devices during periods of low demand and high renewable generation. This stored energy is then released during demand peaks or renewable shortages, eliminating the need for expensive peaker plants or additional generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of traditional peaker plant functionality using distributed energy storage resources. Rather than physically building additional generation capacity, the controller coordinates multiple residential storage devices to collectively provide the same power supply function during peak demand, achieving the same reliability outcome at lower cost.
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 reduces the strain on the power grid by utilizing stored energy from residential appliances, thereby lowering electricity prices and improving grid stability, even during periods of high demand or renewable energy shortages.
Implementation Method 1
energy storage appliances, such as rechargeable batteries, to be electrically connected to residential power networks
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for reducing load from a power grid by offloading residences that have energy storage appliances (e.g., rechargeable vehicle or wall batteries), may be utilized by an electric power provider to help increase available electrical power on a power grid so as to reduce pricing for electrical power. The power provider may have customers (i) who opt-into authorizing the power provider to offload the customers' residences when the appliances are available to supply power to electric power networks of respective residences (e.g., when an EV is plugged into a power station), and (ii) who do not opt-in. If sufficient amount of power cannot be offloaded from the opt-in customers, messages with offers to the non-opt-in customers may be send to identify additional energy resources. The power provider may send commands to cause the appliances to offload the residences. Moreover, a price optimization engine may be used for energy market pricing.