Server-Based Distributed Power Generation Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy generation systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, into grid-tied networks poses challenges in managing excess energy production, which can disrupt the balance between consumer needs and grid requirements, leading to technological and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power generation management system that uses a server computer to detect and control energy generation systems over a wireless network, requesting and receiving real-time power generation data to calculate a power profile and generate control signals to reconcile aggregate energy requirements, ensuring the desired net behavior across the grid network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If renewable energy generation systems are integrated into grid-tied networks, then energy production and consumer needs are met, but excess energy production disrupts grid balance and creates safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a server-based control system that continuously receives real-time sensor data from distributed energy generation systems, processes this information to determine aggregate power generation requirements, and transmits control signals back to individual systems. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of energy production to maintain grid balance while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server computer as an intermediary between distributed energy generation systems and the utility grid. This intermediary aggregates data from multiple sources, processes information centrally, and coordinates control signals to individual systems, thereby managing the complexity of grid integration and preventing destabilizing effects from individual systems acting independently.
2Reliability
If a centralized control system manages distributed energy generation, then grid stability is improved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal server-based control platform that can manage multiple distributed energy generation systems with diverse technologies (solar PV, wind, etc.) through a single integrated system. The server performs multiple functions including data aggregation, real-time monitoring, power profile calculation, and control signal distribution, eliminating the need for separate control systems at each generation site and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for controlling a distributed generation management system may be provided. Real-time power generation information may be collected from sensors of energy generation systems that make up a grid of controlled systems. An aggregate real-time power generation requirement may be determined for the grid based on the real-time power generation information. Using the aggregate requirements, a power profile may be calculated for the grid that indicates a level of power generation for the grid. In some examples, a control signal to control power generation may be generated and provided to the controlled systems.