Thermal Energy Storage Control Device for Intermittent Grid Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrical distribution networks face challenges in managing intermittent renewable energy sources, as existing solutions for energy storage in thermal form, such as domestic hot water production devices, do not effectively account for short-term production hazards and require complex tariff-based control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that allows for the storage and management of electrical energy independently of traditional energy supply frameworks, using a subassembly capable of transforming electrical energy into thermal form, with a control device that estimates energy consumption based on supply time and power, and can be remotely controlled to store energy efficiently, reducing bandwidth requirements and enabling flexible energy balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tariff-based control systems are used for thermal energy storage devices, then billing and consumption accounting are integrated, but the system cannot respond quickly to short-term production hazards from intermittent renewable sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control function from the billing system. The control device independently manages thermal energy storage operations based on production needs, while billing is handled separately by the energy supplier. This segmentation enables rapid response to intermittent renewable production hazards without being constrained by complex tariff-based control systems.
2Productivity
If a control device independently manages energy consumption, then quick response to production needs is achieved, but independent accounting and billing systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary billing system where the energy supplier receives information from the control device about energy consumption and handles the accounting separately. This mediator approach allows the control device to focus on efficient energy management while the billing complexity is handled by a dedicated intermediary system.
3Quantity of substance
If large quantities of energy are stored by commissioning many systems, then network energy balancing is improved, but bandwidth requirements for control signals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device operates autonomously based on simple activation signals. Once activated, it independently manages the energy storage process without requiring continuous control signals or data transmission. This self-service approach allows large-scale deployment of storage systems while minimizing bandwidth requirements to simple activation commands.
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
Enables efficient storage and management of electrical energy according to network needs, decoupling consumption accounting from billing, and allows for the provision of separate heat and electricity services, while reducing latency and absorbing energy surpluses from intermittent sources, with low bandwidth requirements and increased storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one subassembly capable of transforming electrical energy and storing it in thermal form
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for driving at least one subassembly (2) capable of transforming electrical energy and of storing said energy in thermal form. The device according to the invention is distinguished by its capacity to receive a setpoint in order to provide a predetermined quantity of electrical energy originating from an electrical installation (4) to at least one subassembly (2) capable of transforming electrical energy and of storing said energy in thermal form. The invention also relates to the system (12) comprising a device (1) according to the invention and at least one subassembly (2) capable of transforming electrical energy (2) and of storing said energy in thermal form. Another aspect of the invention is a method for utilising a plurality of systems (12) within an electrical network as well as the applications of this method for the management of an electrical network comprising intermittently producing energy sources. The invention is particularly intended for the management of an electrical energy distribution network comprising energy sources for the intermittent production, energy storage, another provision of hot water for sanitation purposes and/or of heating and/or of cooling and/or of electricity.