UPS Energy Storage Segmentation for Grid Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with large energy storage capacity are underutilized due to rare usage, as they are designed primarily for backup power and lack efficient charging and discharging capabilities for grid services.

Innovation Solution

A UPS system that allows energy storage to be used for network services by regulating power flow based on frequency, voltage, and load conditions, enabling charging and discharging for primary control, peak shaving, and reserve services, with redundant connections to independent grid strands and advanced switching components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the energy store is dimensioned larger to protect against longer power failures, then the storage capacity increases, but the charging power remains very low compared to storage capacity (0.2xC10), making it unsuitable for grid services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcharging power
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the energy storage system into multiple independent energy stores (first energy store and second energy store) that can be charged and discharged independently. This allows the system to provide both large storage capacity and high charging power by utilizing multiple units simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between large storage capacity and sufficient charging power for grid services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide backup power for loads, participate in grid services (frequency regulation, voltage support), and enable bidirectional power flow between grid connections. This multi-functionality allows the same energy stores to fulfill both backup power requirements and grid service requirements, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the energy store is used rarely for backup power, then the UPS provides reliable backup protection, but the energy storage devices remain unused for most of the year and are only recharged to maintain charge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup protection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy storage utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide backup power for loads, participate in grid services (frequency regulation, voltage support), and enable bidirectional power flow between grid connections. This multi-functionality allows the same energy stores to fulfill both backup power requirements and grid service requirements, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous useful action by allowing energy stores to participate in grid services during normal operation, rather than remaining idle. The energy stores can continuously charge and discharge in response to grid conditions (frequency, voltage, load demands), ensuring they remain actively utilized while maintaining their backup power function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a Category 1 UPS topology is used with rectifier and inverter, then constant voltage and frequency are provided at load output, but the charging power of conventional energy storage is very low compared to storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and frequency stabilityVSAvoidcharging power ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the energy storage system into multiple independent energy stores (first energy store and second energy store) that can be charged and discharged independently. This allows the system to provide both large storage capacity and high charging power by utilizing multiple units simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between large storage capacity and sufficient charging power for grid services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (charging power, discharging power, state of charge) based on grid conditions and load requirements. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize both the charging power ratio and voltage/frequency stability, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the UPS is designed for voltage and frequency independence, then the load is always supplied with constant voltage and frequency via rectifier and inverter, but the energy storage cannot be operated for grid services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and frequency independenceVSAvoidgrid service capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide backup power for loads, participate in grid services (frequency regulation, voltage support), and enable bidirectional power flow between grid connections. This multi-functionality allows the same energy stores to fulfill both backup power requirements and grid service requirements, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on grid conditions and service requirements. The control unit adjusts the operational state of energy stores in real-time, transitioning between backup power mode and grid service mode as needed, enabling both voltage/frequency independence and grid service participation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the UPS to provide grid services efficiently, utilizing energy storage for frequency regulation, peak shaving, and reserve services, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

an energy store (14) for storing electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3361593B1Uninterruptible power supply for loads
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 RWE SUPPLY & TRADING
  • EP3361593B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3361593B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3361593B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) comprising a first grid connection for a first electrical supply network, a second grid connection for a second electrical supply network, a load connection for an electrical load, and an energy storage device, wherein a converter is arranged between the energy storage device and the first grid connection, an inverter is arranged between the energy storage device and the load connection, and an electrical switching component is arranged between the second grid connection and the load connection, such that the first grid connection and the second grid connection are electrically connected to the load connection. The converter, the inverter, and the switching component are connected in such a way that an electrical power flow between the energy storage device and at least one of the grid connections is possible.