Thermal energy storage systems and methods for use with solar power generation systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical grid faces challenges in managing peak demand events, as solar energy generation peaks before peak demand, leading to overgeneration and strain on the grid, necessitating the use of less efficient power sources and potential component failure.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system that uses network-enabled smart thermostats to precool structures during solar overgeneration, storing energy thermally and reducing peak demand by delaying air conditioner activation, thereby reducing the strain on the grid and avoiding the need for additional power generation facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels generate electricity during peak solar irradiance, then solar energy production is maximized, but electricity overgeneration occurs because peak demand has not yet been reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of structures during periods of high solar generation before peak demand occurs. By pre-cooling buildings when solar electricity is abundant, the system stores thermal energy in the building's thermal mass, allowing the air conditioner to be reduced or shut off during peak demand periods, thus utilizing solar energy in advance to avoid overgeneration waste.
2Reliability
If the electrical grid activates additional power sources to meet peak demand, then sufficient capacity is provided, but system efficiency decreases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools structures during off-peak hours when solar generation is high and grid demand is low, storing thermal energy in building thermal mass. This allows the air conditioner to be curtailed during peak demand periods, avoiding the need to activate less efficient peaker power plants and maintaining grid reliability without the associated efficiency losses and emissions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical grid experiences high demand during peak hours, then power consumption meets user needs, but grid strain increases causing component failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling during off-peak hours, storing thermal energy in building structures. During peak demand hours, the stored thermal energy maintains comfortable temperatures, allowing air conditioner operation to be reduced or stopped, thereby decreasing peak load on the grid and reducing strain that could cause component failure, while still meeting user comfort needs.
4Ease of operation
If air conditioners operate continuously to maintain comfortable temperatures, then user comfort is ensured, but peak demand increases straining the electrical grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools structures during off-peak hours when grid demand is low, storing thermal energy in the building's thermal mass. During peak demand periods, the stored cold thermal energy maintains comfortable temperatures without continuous air conditioner operation, ensuring user comfort while significantly reducing peak demand on the electrical grid.
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
This system effectively reduces peak electricity usage by precooling structures during solar overgeneration, utilizing existing HVAC systems as thermal energy storage devices, which decreases the demand on the electrical grid during peak hours, thus mitigating the need for costly and inefficient power sources and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal energy storage system that uses network-enabled smart thermostats to precool structures during solar overgeneration, storing energy thermally
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements are provided related to thermal energy coordination systems. A thermal energy coordination system may analyze solar irradiance measurements to identify an overgeneration solar energy event. The system may activate a thermal energy storage event to coincide with the overgeneration solar energy event at the plurality of solar panels. The system, which can include many network-enabled smart thermostats, may control air conditioners or other HVAC system within various structures. The system may determine a time to initiate cooling and a temperature to which to cool the structure based upon the received indication of the thermal energy storage event. Cooling may be initiated by the system based on the determined time and the determined temperature in response to the received indication of the thermal energy storage event.