Virtual Power Plant Controller for Grid Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power networks struggle to optimally manage power production and storage from renewable energy sources due to the isolation of power generation and storage facilities, leading to inefficiencies and waste of excess energy, as only grid operators can utilize power storage facilities to meet demand.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a power network that monitors production and storage capacities, determines an optimal facility control plan based on forecast variables like weather and energy prices, and operates the network to store or feed power from generation facilities to storage facilities or the grid, allowing for optimal financial and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power generation facilities operate independently from power storage facilities, then each facility can be controlled separately, but the overall system cannot optimally utilize storage capabilities and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power generation facilities and power storage facilities into a unified virtual power plant system. The central control unit integrates control of both generation and storage facilities, allowing coordinated operation to optimize overall system efficiency. This enables the system to achieve better productivity by utilizing storage capabilities alongside generation capabilities in a unified management framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power storage facilities are managed in isolation from power generation plants, then storage facilities can be operated independently, but their capabilities cannot be optimally utilized and management is constrained by grid requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines storage facility management with power generation plant operations under a unified virtual power plant framework. The central control unit coordinates both generation and storage facilities, enabling optimal utilization of storage capabilities by considering both generation potential and storage capacity together, rather than managing them in isolation.
3Reliability
If renewable energy sources are used to provide local power, then energy independence is improved, but the ability to feed excess power into the grid is limited by grid requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control that allows the virtual power plant to adapt its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The system can dynamically switch between providing local power (when reliability is prioritized) and feeding power into the grid (when grid interaction is beneficial). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize its behavior based on current grid requirements and local needs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional power plants deliver power as required to the grid, then base load stability is maintained, but flexibility to respond to varying demand and storage opportunities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static operation of conventional power plants into a dynamic system through the virtual power plant framework. The central control unit enables real-time adjustment of power delivery based on grid demand, storage availability, and economic conditions. This allows the system to maintain base load stability when needed while simultaneously responding flexibly to varying demands and storage opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes power plants multi-functional by enabling them to perform both traditional base load delivery and flexible response functions. Through the virtual power plant system, power plants can simultaneously maintain stable base load operation while also participating in demand response programs, utilizing storage facilities, and adapting to varying market conditions, thus achieving both stability and flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for controlling a power network that includes a plurality of power generation facilities connected to an electricity grid and a plurality of power storage facilities connected to the power generation facilities. The method includes monitoring a production capacity of the power generation facilities, monitoring a storage capacity of the power storage facilities and determining an optimal facility control plan on the basis of the storage capacity and the production capacity. The method further includes operating the power network, according to the facility control plan, to feed power from the power generation facilities into the electricity grid and/or to transfer power from the power generation facilities to the power storage facilities and/or to consume power from the power storage facilities.