Grid Regulation Services for Energy Storage Devices Based on Grid Frequency

Patent ID: 7102 | Patent Number 8,478,452 | Status: Granted

Abstract

The invention represents an algorithm to provide a form of "regulation up and down services" to the electric power grid using an energy storage device. The storage device could be an electric vehicle or a stationary energy storage device like a photovoltaic system. The regulation will allow the storage device to vary its contribution to the power grid between a full discharge (generation) state and full charge (consumption) state. The basis for this regulation will come from frequency measurements of the alternating current (AC) power supply as delivered to the outlet in homes and buildings. The actual amount of load present on the system will be adjusted using this regulation signal and information about any constraints imposed upon the load device (such as a desired finish time or maximum capacity). The invention represents an algorithm to provide a form of regulation up and down services to the electric power grid using any load whose overall operation will not be hindered if the power supplied to the load varies in a charging and discharging sense (i.e., “load” devices such as the charger for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or other storage device). The regulation will allow the storage device to vary its contribution to the power grid between a full discharge (generation) state and full charge (consumption) state. The basis for this regulation will come from frequency measurements of the alternating current (AC) power supply as delivered to the outlet in homes and buildings. The actual amount of load or generation the end device presents on the system will be adjusted using this regulation signal and information about any constraints imposed upon the load device (such as a desired finish time or maximum capacity).

Application Number

12/755,260

Inventors

Hammerstrom,Don
Kintner-Meyer,Michael C
Pratt,Rick M
Tuffner,Frank

Market Sector

Energy Infrastructure