Virtual Power Plant Charge Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for combining decentralized electrical energy storage systems into virtual power plants are still in preliminary development, lacking effective balancing mechanisms to optimize storage capacity and ensure continuous availability, particularly for fluctuating and decentralized energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that interconnects spatially distributed energy storage systems through an electrical power plant network, using a measuring device and control device to detect and adjust states of charge, enabling charge equalization between systems, with a cloud system configuration for optimized balancing and predictive calculations to manage energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If decentralized electrical energy storage systems are combined to form a virtual power plant, then the storage capacity can be optimally exploited, but the systems require complex balancing mechanisms to maintain state of charge equilibrium
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple decentralized electrical energy storage systems are merged into a virtual power plant, pooling their storage capacities to achieve optimal exploitation of total storage resources while maintaining individual system autonomy through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
A measuring device continuously detects the state of charge of all energy storage systems, providing feedback to a control device that automatically adjusts charge equalization charges to maintain equilibrium, creating a closed-loop balancing mechanism
2Reliability
If charge equalization is implemented between energy storage systems, then state of charge equilibrium is maintained, but electrical equalization charges must be transmitted through the power plant network causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary that intelligently manages charge equalization by detecting states of charge and calculating optimal equalization charges, coordinating energy transmission through the power plant network to minimize losses while maintaining equilibrium
3Ease of operation
If energy storage systems operate independently, then system simplicity is maintained, but the availability for service may be restricted and storage capacity cannot be optimally exploited
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual power plant is segmented into multiple independently operable energy storage systems that can function autonomously when needed, while also being capable of coordinated operation to optimize storage capacity exploitation and service availability
Solution Approach 2:
Each energy storage system serves multiple functions: it can operate independently for local service, participate in charge equalization to optimize overall storage capacity, and respond to control signals for maintaining state of charge equilibrium, achieving both simplicity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The teachings of the present disclosure may be employed for buffering electric power in a virtual storage power plant. For example, a virtual power plant for buffering electric power may include: distributed electrical energy storage systems electrically interconnected by transmission lines of an electrical power plant network; a measuring device detecting a state of charge of each of the storage systems; and a control device adjusting the states of charge between a lower limit and an upper limit. The states of charge are adjusted as needed by means of a charge equalization including transmitting electrical equalization charges from energy storage systems having a relatively high state of charge to energy storage systems having a relatively low state of charge, via the electrical power plant network.