System and Method for Supplying Power to a Power Grid

• US 20100253142A1
• Filed: 04/07/2009
• Published: 10/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Scott, Robert C., Votoupal, John J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,013,470 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/31
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/20 The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/22 The renewable source being solar energy
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/24 of photovoltaic origin
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/28 The renewable source being wind energy
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/32 using batteries with converting means
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/381 Dispersed generators
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/76 Power conversion electric or electronic aspects
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Abstract

System and methods for supplying electric power to a power grid are disclosed. The system includes a power generation source, a charging station for charging a zinc-based energy storage device from the power generation source, and a transport module for transporting the zinc-based energy storage device. The system also includes an input station for supplying power to the power grid from the zinc-based energy storage device, and a controller for selectively discharging the zinc-based energy storage device to the power grid based on the initiation signal.

Claims

1. A method for supplying electric power to a power grid, comprising:

charging a zinc-based energy storage device;

transporting the zinc-based energy storage device to a power grid entry location;

receiving an initiation signal to supply power to the power grid; and

discharging the zinc-based energy storage device into the power grid at the power grid entry location based on the initiation signal.

2. The method of claim 1, including the step of generating power at a first location.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of charging a zinc-based energy storage device occurs at the first location.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiation signal is based at least in part on the amount of power available to the power grid.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiation signal is based at least in part on a spot price of electricity.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiation signal is based at least in part on inventory of available zinc-based energy storage devices at the power grid entry location.

7. A method for supplying electric power to a power grid, comprising:

receiving an indication of power demand;

receiving a zinc-based energy storage device at a power grid input location;

calculating an initiation time for supplying power in response to the indication of power demand; and

supplying power from the zinc-based energy storage device on or after the initiation time.

8. The method of claim 7, including the step of preparing to supply power from a fossil fuel-based energy source.

9. The method of claim 7, including the step of predicting available power to the power grid based on availability of at least one energy source.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one energy source is a wind energy source.

11. The method of claim 7, further including the step of predicting the spot price of electricity at the initiation time.

12. A system for supplying electric power to a power grid, comprising:

a power generation source;

a charging station for charging a zinc-based energy storage device from the power generation source;

a transport module for transporting the zinc-based energy storage device;

an input station for supplying power to the power grid from the zinc-based energy storage device; and

a controller for selectively discharging the zinc-based energy storage device to the power grid.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the transport module for transporting the zinc-based energy storage device includes at least one of:

a multimodal container, a commercial truck, or a railcar.

14. The system of claim 12, including a controller for directing the transport module for transporting the zinc-based energy storage device.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller directs the input of power to the power grid based on the spot price of electricity.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller for the input station for supplying power to a power grid from the zinc-based energy storage device directs the input of power to the power grid based on a calculation of demand for electric power.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller for the input station for supplying power to a power grid from the zinc-based energy storage device directs the input of power to the power grid based on a calculation of supply of electric power at the power generation source.