Twin-Configurable Renewable Plant for Controllable Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of renewable energy sources into existing power grids is challenged by intermittent generation, grid stability, and the need for efficient storage and distribution systems, particularly for new loads with high power requirements and varying load profiles, leading to inefficiencies and reliance on peaker plants.

Innovation Solution

A twin-configurable architecture system comprising a renewable energy source (RES), energy storage system (ESS), and controllable load (CL) that operates in a high-capacity factor mode, allowing for decoupling of load profiles and grid demands, and includes a controller for optimizing energy distribution and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If renewable energy sources are integrated into existing power grids, then clean and sustainable energy generation is improved, but grid stability and reliability deteriorate due to intermittent generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreenhouse gas emissionsVSAvoidgrid stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An energy storage system is introduced as an intermediary component between the renewable energy source and the grid. The storage system absorbs intermittent generation fluctuations and provides stable power output to the grid, resolving the contradiction between renewable energy integration and grid stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Energy is stored in advance during periods of high renewable generation or low demand, before it is needed during peak demand periods. This preliminary storage action ensures reliable power supply while maintaining grid stability despite the intermittent nature of renewable sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If renewable energy capacity is increased to meet high power requirements, then energy generation capability is improved, but asset utilization deteriorates due to intermittent generation and varying load profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidasset utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational mode between grid-serving and load-serving based on real-time conditions. This dynamic switching allows the renewable energy capacity to be fully utilized regardless of whether the grid or local loads are the primary consumers, thereby improving asset utilization while maintaining high generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The renewable energy system serves multiple functions: it can supply power to the grid, serve local controllable loads, or charge the energy storage system. This multi-functionality ensures that the renewable energy capacity is utilized effectively under varying conditions, improving asset utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If energy storage capacity is increased to address intermittent generation, then grid stability is improved, but system complexity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage capacity is sized to be sufficient for addressing intermittency but not excessively large. The storage system is dimensioned to handle the critical periods of mismatch between renewable generation and demand, providing grid stability without the unnecessary complexity and cost of oversized storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If peaker plants are used to meet peak demand, then power supply reliability is improved, but environmental impact and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the intermittent nature of renewable energy, which is typically a disadvantage, into a benefit by using energy storage to capture excess generation during low-demand periods and discharge during peak demand. This eliminates the need for peaker plants and their associated environmental harm, turning the renewable intermittency into a resource for meeting peak demand cleanly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250350117A1Twin-configurable architecture renewable power plant for high-capacity factor servicing of controllable loads

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 1ST AVENUE NOVA LLC

AI summary

A renewable power system with a twin-configurable architecture is described. The system includes a renewable energy source (RES), an energy storage system (ESS), and at least one controllable load (CL) (e.g., AI training/datacenter). The system can serve as a baseload or semi-baseload plant for CL(s) and/or as a peaker or semi-peaker plant for an electric grid, or vice-versa, and optionally in parallel, can also provide ancillary services to the electric grid and/or to the CL(s). In certain embodiments, e.g. solar PV RES(es), the system can have capacity factors of at least about 60% and up to 100%, higher asset utilization, better economics for the RES-ESS, improved system performance, and lower energy costs as compared with known systems without a CL(s). By making load a variable, and integral part of the system, sophisticated resource allocation strategies, including AI algorithms, can be developed not previously possible with known systems lacking a CL(s).