Synthetic Inertia Control Using Energy Storage for Grid Frequency Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing prevalence of renewable energy sources lacking rotating generators and motors in electrical grids reduces grid inertia, leading to instability and frequency deviations that can cause system collapse.
Innovation Solution
Implementing synthetic inertia by controlling the output power of energy storage units based on the measured rate of change of frequency, using energy storage systems coupled to the electrical grid to maintain frequency stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources (batteries, photovoltaic power stations, solar farms) are connected to the electrical grid, then energy diversity and sustainability are improved, but grid inertia is reduced leading to frequency instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between renewable energy sources and the electrical grid. This control system processes frequency deviation signals and generates compensating power adjustment commands, enabling non-rotating renewable energy sources to provide inertia-like support without requiring physical rotating mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inertia provided by rotating generators with an electronic control system. Instead of relying on physical rotating mass to resist frequency changes, the system uses power electronic converters and control algorithms to detect frequency deviations and adjust power output accordingly, substituting mechanical inertia with electronic regulation.
2Loss of energy
If the proportion of spinning generators and motors is reduced to make way for renewable energy sources, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the ability to maintain frequency stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of energy storage units based on grid frequency conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts the power output of energy storage units in response to frequency deviations, enabling these units to provide frequency regulation services that compensate for the loss of conventional generator inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where frequency deviation is continuously measured and used to adjust the power output of energy storage units. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond automatically to frequency changes, maintaining stability without requiring human intervention or mechanical inertia.
3Reliability
If energy storage units are controlled based on rate of change of frequency, then frequency stability is improved, but control system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to energy storage units, enabling them to respond to changing grid conditions. The control system adjusts power output in real-time based on frequency deviation and its rate of change, transforming static energy storage units into dynamic frequency regulation assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables energy storage units to perform multiple functions: energy storage, frequency regulation, and inertia emulation. By designing the control system to handle various operating modes and grid conditions, the same infrastructure provides multiple services, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for synthetic inertia for energy systems. In one implementation, the computer-readable media may include instructions to cause a processor to: obtain a rate of change of a frequency of alternating current of an electrical grid; determine a mapping between the rate of change of the frequency and an amount of change of output power for energy storage unit(s) coupled to the electrical grid; calculate, based on the mapping and the rate of change of the frequency, an amount of change of the output power for the energy storage unit(s); determine, based on a reference output power and the calculated amount of change, an adjusted output power; and configure, based on the adjusted output power, the energy storage unit(s) to output electricity to the electrical grid.