Energy Storage Charge Estimation for Variable Power Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems struggle to effectively balance power generation with energy demands in electrical power distribution systems, particularly with variable output power generators like wind and solar, leading to wasted energy due to lack of precise control over energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that includes sensors and a controller to estimate the charge level of an energy storage medium, such as a water heater, by monitoring energy input and output signals, allowing for non-intrusive and accurate determination of remaining energy storage capacity without direct temperature measurement, enabling efficient energy utilization and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If variable output power generators (wind, solar) are used to increase energy supply, then energy generation capacity is improved, but energy balancing with demand deteriorates due to uncontrollable variable output
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the charge level of energy storage devices and using this information to control the operation of energy consuming devices. The controller receives signals from sensors measuring charge levels and adjusts the operation of water heaters, air conditioners, and other devices accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying energy supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables energy storage devices to self-report their charge levels through integrated sensors and controllers. Each energy storage device monitors its own state and communicates this information to the central controller, allowing the system to automatically manage energy distribution without requiring external intervention or complex centralized monitoring of individual device states.
2Ease of operation
If traditional on/off control of energy consuming devices is used to reduce peak demand, then power demand control is simplified, but actual energy demand balancing is insufficient due to lack of knowledge about energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces simple on/off mechanical control with an intelligent control system that uses electronic sensors and controllers to monitor charge levels. Instead of blindly switching devices on or off, the controller makes informed decisions based on real-time charge level data, substituting crude mechanical control with electronic measurement and intelligent decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces charge level sensors and controllers as intermediaries between the energy storage devices and the central control system. These intermediaries measure and report the actual energy storage state, providing the central controller with precise information needed to make accurate energy management decisions, thereby bridging the gap between simple control and precise measurement.
3Power
If excess energy is generated during high wind conditions at off-peak times, then energy generation is increased, but energy waste increases when the load cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging energy storage devices when excess energy is available during high wind conditions or off-peak times. The controller identifies periods of excess energy generation and proactively stores this energy in available capacity, preparing the system for future peak demand periods. This anticipatory approach prevents energy waste by capturing otherwise unused generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers excess energy that would otherwise be discarded or wasted. By capturing and storing surplus energy generated during off-peak times, the system transforms what would be lost energy into a valuable resource for later use during peak demand periods, effectively recovering and再利用ing energy that would otherwise be wasted.
4Measurement precision
If direct temperature measurement is used to determine charge level of energy storage medium, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases and may void warranties
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses charge level sensors as intermediaries to indirectly measure the energy storage state without requiring direct temperature measurement or modification of the energy storage device. These sensors provide the necessary information about charge levels through non-intrusive monitoring, acting as a bridge between the energy storage medium and the control system without physical contact or device modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct physical measurement methods (such as temperature sensors requiring contact with the energy storage medium) with electronic sensing and calculation methods. The controller calculates charge levels based on electrical parameters and sensor readings, substituting mechanical/thermal measurement approaches with electronic measurement and computational methods that avoid device modification.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy management system includes an energy input sensor, an energy output sensor and a system controller. The energy input sensor is configured to generate at least one energy input signal indicating an energy flow to an energy storage medium of an energy storage device. The energy output sensor is configured to generate at least one energy output signal indicating an energy flow from the energy storage medium. The system controller is configured to estimate a charge level of the energy storage medium based on an initial charge level of the energy storage medium and a change in the charge level of the energy storage medium, which is based on the at least one energy input signal and the at least one energy output signal.