Solar Power Load Control to Suppress Reverse Grid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microgrids with solar power generation facilities face challenges in managing the balance between generated and load electric power due to environmental influences, leading to unplanned reverse electric power flows that disrupt the balance between demand and supply in the electric power grid.
Innovation Solution
An electric power management system that includes a solar radiation amount measurement device and a control device with a prediction unit to estimate generation electric power and a command generation unit to adjust load electric power, using load commands, number commands, capacity commands, and electricity storage commands to maintain balance and control reverse power flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar power generation facilities are deployed to increase generation electric power, then energy supply capability is improved, but reverse electric power flow to the grid increases disrupting supply-demand balance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future generation electric power based on weather forecasts and solar radiation data before the actual generation occurs. The control unit uses this prediction to proactively adjust load electric power and charge/discharge control of storage batteries in advance, preventing reverse power flow before it happens rather than reacting after the problem occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring actual generation electric power, load electric power, and storage battery state of charge in real-time. The control unit compares actual values with target values and adjusts control commands dynamically, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains balance between generation and consumption while preventing reverse power flow to the grid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar power generation is increased to meet consumer demand, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but balance between generation and load electric power becomes difficult to maintain due to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future generation electric power based on weather forecasts and solar radiation data before the actual generation occurs. The control unit uses this prediction to proactively adjust load electric power and charge/discharge control of storage batteries in advance, preventing reverse power flow before it happens rather than reacting after the problem occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the charge/discharge rate of storage batteries and the load electric power setpoint based on real-time conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters in response to changes in solar radiation, weather conditions, and grid status, allowing the system to adapt to environmental influences while maintaining stable operation.
3Quantity of substance
If storage battery capacity is increased to store excess generation electric power, then energy storage capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using storage batteries only when necessary to maintain balance, rather than sizing the battery system for maximum possible generation. The control unit intelligently determines when charge or discharge is needed based on real-time conditions, allowing a smaller, less complex battery system to achieve the same balance-maintaining effect that would require a much larger battery capacity if operated without intelligent control.
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
Effectively manages the balance between generation and load electric power, suppressing reverse electric power flows and optimizing energy utilization by adjusting load and storage operations based on real-time solar radiation data and grid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solar radiation amount measurement device that is provided adjacent to the solar power generation device and measures a solar radiation amount received by the solar power generation device
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power management system includes a solar radiation amount measurement device that measures a solar radiation amount received by the solar power generation device, and a control device that outputs a control command including a command for the load facility. The control device includes a pre-processing unit that outputs information used to generate the control command, and a command generation unit that outputs the control command, on the basis of the information output by the pre-processing unit. The pre-processing unit includes a prediction unit that outputs electric power expected to be output by the electric power generation facility as estimated generation electric power, on the basis of the solar radiation amount. The command generation unit includes a load command unit that outputs the control command including a command for increasing and decreasing the load electric power to the load facility, on the basis of the estimated generation electric power.