Wind Turbine Power Converter with Integrated Battery Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittency of wind and solar energy sources poses challenges in providing stable and reliable power generation, as they are dependent on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in electricity demand and pricing, necessitating a system to efficiently store and manage energy to meet peak demands and optimize energy production and sales.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a battery-type energy storage device into the power converter of a Wind Turbine Generator, along with software modules to predict power output, enabling energy time shifting, load peaking, frequency response, and variable generation load firming, and using voltage regulators, battery chargers, and solenoids to manage charge and discharge efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wind and solar energy sources are used to provide electric power, then environmental friendliness is improved, but reliability and stability of power generation deteriorate due to dependence on weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage device is introduced as an intermediary between the intermittent renewable energy sources and the power grid. The storage device absorbs excess energy when generation exceeds demand and releases energy when generation falls short, mediating the mismatch between variable renewable output and stable grid requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is stored in advance during periods of high generation or low demand, preparing it for later use during peak demand or low generation periods. This preliminary storage action ensures reliability without requiring continuous generation capacity.
2Reliability
If energy storage devices are integrated into the power converter, then dispatchability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is integrated directly into the DC bus of the power converter, merging two separate functions (power conversion and energy storage) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for separate coupling components and simplifies the overall architecture despite adding storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts power from the renewable source, manages energy storage charging/discharging, and interfaces with the grid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If software modules are added to predict power output and manage energy, then productivity and optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors actual power generation, stored energy levels, and grid conditions, then uses this feedback to adjust dispatch decisions. Software modules process this data to optimize when to charge or discharge storage, maximizing productivity and revenue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated software-based prediction and control algorithms that self-manage the energy dispatch decisions without requiring manual intervention. The control system serves itself by automatically optimizing operations based on real-time data and forecasts.
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
This solution provides a reliable and dispatchable power system that can manage energy storage and output to match demand, optimize energy production and sales, and ensure stable power delivery, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
An energy storage device may be integrated into the DC bus of the power converter to provide power to a power grid. The energy storage device may implement various functions, including energy time shifting, load peaking, frequency response, and variable generation load firming.
Implementation Method 2
In addition to the battery energy storage device, the system of the present invention may be implemented by one of several designs that includes one or more of a voltage regulator (DC/DC converter) to manage the charge and discharge of the battery
Implementation Method 3
one or more solenoids to connect and disconnect the battery from the power converter and the battery charger
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a system and method for generating, controlling and storing dispatchable renewable energy. The system may include one or more wind power generation facilities and one or more solar power generation facilities to generate power that can be stored by one or more storage facilities. The power can be supplied to a power grid at a level determined by actual or predicted weather conditions, based on variable power demands. The power generated by the renewable energy sources may be combined with power generated by conventional power generation facilities to provide power in a dispatchable manner.