Hierarchical Synthetic Reserve Provisioning System for Grid Frequency Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources into electrical power grids leads to increased unpredictability and wear-and-tear on generators due to supply-demand imbalances, as existing technologies fail to accurately measure feedback signals and provide adequate economic incentives for distributed energy resources (DERs) to participate effectively in balancing the grid.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical synthetic reserve provisioning system (SRPS) that aggregates small Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) through a multi-layered decision-making framework, using energy conversion droop and economic bids to balance supply and demand in real-time, with a data-driven and feedback control approach, enabling scalable and provable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large generators are used to balance supply-demand imbalances, then grid frequency stability is maintained, but generator wear-and-tear increases and response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the generation portfolio into multiple small-scale DERs (distributed energy resources) instead of relying on a single large generator. Each DER is independently controlled and can respond to frequency deviations, distributing the balancing task across many small units rather than one large unit, thereby reducing wear on individual generators while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling rapid response capability through inverter-based control of DERs. Unlike traditional large generators with mechanical inertia, these DERs can adjust their output almost instantaneously in response to frequency deviations, changing the response time parameter from seconds/minutes to near-instantaneous, thereby reducing the need for frequent large adjustments that cause wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid, then sustainability is improved, but supply-demand unpredictability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each DER continuously monitors grid frequency and automatically adjusts its power output in response to frequency deviations. This real-time feedback loop enables DERs to compensate for the variability of renewable energy sources, maintaining supply-demand balance despite the unpredictable nature of renewables by dynamically responding to actual grid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to DERs, enabling them to rapidly adjust their power output in response to changing grid conditions. This dynamic responsiveness allows the system to adapt to the variability of renewable energy sources in real-time, transforming the static, unpredictable renewable generation into a dynamically balanced system that maintains reliability.
3Speed
If DERs are deployed to balance supply-demand, then response time is reduced, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each DER to autonomously monitor grid frequency and adjust its own power output without requiring complex centralized coordination. Each DER independently responds to frequency deviations, making the system self-regulating. This self-service approach simplifies coordination complexity while maintaining fast response times, as each unit acts independently based on simple frequency measurements.
4Quantity of substance
If existing utility detection methods are used, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but visibility of DERs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer between DERs and the utility system. Rather than requiring expensive utility infrastructure to directly detect and control each DER, this intermediary layer enables bidirectional communication, allowing DERs to report their status and receive control signals. This intermediary approach provides DER visibility to the utility without requiring substantial new infrastructure investment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods and systems for modeling, controlling and computer-platform implementation of a Synthetic Reserve Provisioning System (SRPS) needed to aggregate and integrate small devices closer to consumers, referred to as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This know-how is based on data-driven physics-based modeling and it supports the dispatch and scheduling of DERs so that they can participate in system level provision of electricity service. An SRPS generally comprises multiple levels of consumer aggregators (Synthetic Reserve Provisioning (SRP) modules) which interact by exchanging well-defined information about provable consumer characteristics and their own loading and pricing conditions. Three different SRPS designs are described. They differ with respect to implementation requirements for communications, control, technical and economic risks assumed by different SRP modules. Depending on the control and available communication architecture, it is ultimately possible to ensure DER integration at value, even with a limited number of participating devices.