Systems and methods for utilizing a grid-connected heat pump coupled to an energy management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrification of heating systems challenges the electric grid by increasing and shifting peak demand, particularly in regions transitioning from natural gas to heat pumps, with existing energy storage solutions facing tradeoffs between economies of scale and locational value, and requiring costly power conversion for direct current loads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a heat pump, energy storage device, and controller, controlled by a remote computing system to optimize power distribution between an external power source and the energy storage device, operating in direct current, thereby reducing installation costs, line losses, and power conversion expenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If utility-scale energy storage is used to address peak loads, then economies of scale reduce installation cost per unit of storage capacity, but line losses increase when delivering energy over transmission and distribution systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage function into two distinct approaches: utility-scale storage for bulk energy management and on-site storage for localized power delivery. This segmentation allows each type to operate in its optimal performance zone, with on-site storage eliminating line losses for critical loads while utility-scale storage provides economical bulk capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing energy storage resources at specific locations where they can most effectively address peak demand. On-site storage is positioned at or near end-use locations to bypass transmission and distribution systems, eliminating line losses for local delivery while maintaining economies of scale through coordinated utility-scale storage.
2Loss of energy
If on-site energy storage is used for self-consumption, then efficiency increases by bypassing transmission and distribution systems, but installation cost per unit of storage capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges on-site and utility-scale energy storage into a coordinated hybrid system. On-site storage units are combined with utility-scale storage infrastructure and managed through integrated control systems, allowing cost sharing of power conversion equipment and coordinated operation that reduces the per-unit cost of on-site storage while maintaining its efficiency advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal energy storage solutions that can serve multiple functions: on-site storage provides efficient local power delivery and bypasses line losses, while also participating in utility-scale energy management. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to deliver both localized efficiency and economical scale operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both utility-scale and on-site energy storage are used, then both economies of scale and locational value are achieved, but equipment cost increases due to required inverters for power conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having utility-scale storage convert to DC and deliver directly to DC loads, rather than having on-site storage convert from DC to AC. This inversion eliminates the need for expensive inverters at distributed locations and allows both utility-scale and on-site storage to share common power conversion infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DC as an intermediary power form that enables direct coupling between energy storage devices and DC loads. By using DC as the common interface, the system eliminates the need for AC conversion equipment at each storage location, reducing overall equipment costs while maintaining deployment flexibility.
4Loss of energy
If heat pumps replace natural gas equipment, then emissions decrease and heating efficiency improves, but peak load increases and shifts to winter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using on-site energy storage to pre-charge during off-peak hours and then discharge during peak demand periods. This allows heat pumps to operate at full capacity during winter peaks without overloading the grid, as the energy storage system provides supplemental power in advance of the peak load event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control that monitors grid conditions, load demand, and energy storage state of charge to dynamically adjust heat pump operation. When peak load conditions are detected, the system automatically coordinates energy storage discharge with heat pump operation, allowing efficient winter heating while managing peak demand through real-time feedback control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided. The method comprises: obtaining a current state of charge of an energy storage device of a thermal pump system, wherein the thermal pump system comprises a heat pump; determining one or more operating modes for the thermal pump system based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and controlling the thermal pump system based on the one or more operating modes, wherein controlling the thermal pump system comprises electrically connecting the energy storage device and/or an external power source to the heat pump such that the energy storage device and/or the external power source provide power to the heat pump.