Power Revolution: Pioneering the Future with Autonomous, Distributed, and Flexibly Grid-Connected Sources

In recent years, our lives are on the brink of significant change due to the widespread adoption of distributed renewable energy sources like solar power, along with the proliferation of large-capacity Li-ion batteries. The cost of solar has already become the cheapest among all methods of power generation. Due to the ease of installation coupled with this cost-effectiveness, solar is expected to be a most popular distributed power source everywhere. However, due to the inherent nature of solar, which limits its generation to certain hours and weather, the combination with storage batteries becomes crucial. Due to the drastic shift of vehicles from conventional ICEVs to BEVs in many countries around the world, it is almost promising that the age large capacity batteries everywhere is coming. This change will push us to change our power source from traditional large centralized power plants using a wide area distribution line which we have used it from the end of the 19th century to the distributed system consists of a bunch of small decentralized facilities.

In this context, we I-S3 proposes a new concept of future energy under the catchphrase consists of three following key words "Autonomous, Distributed, and Flexibly Grid-Connected Sources".

"Energy Revolution with Autonomous, Distributed and Flexibly Grid-Connected Sources"

Autonomous operation The operation of each demand site and energy facilities are conducted independently without central management. Distributed installation Decentralized installation of these facilities at each demand site. Loosely Grid Connected system The ability to connect to and disconnect from the power grid as required as to minimize the dependence on the distribution grid.

With our new concept, the sense of "stable power supply", which had been crucial in the traditional power supply system will be less important. At the same time the new sense of "stable power use" will be more important. Because it is obvious that we don't really care the power is supplied stably or not, if we still can use the power stably. Perhaps, this represents the biggest paradigm shift in about 130 years since the inception of power supply.

The Importance of Autonomous Energy Systems

What is an "autonomous" system?

An autonomous system we imagine is that each home or business place at the end of the power grid as a unit of electricity usage and generation, where each unit autonomously controls its operation based on the power demand and surplus information obtained through sensors and the internet. Typically, it operated automatically and capable of disconnecting from or reconnecting from the grid and supply excess electricity to the neighbors or the grid. Our envisioned system essentially operates as a standalone unit at very small scales like individual homes, with low grid dependency and flexible disconnection and reconnection capabilities.

Differences from Existing Centralized Systems

I believe the conventional power supply networks dating back to the end of the 19th century will not disappear so quickly, and their use will remain viable. However, as we enter the era of distributed power sources, significant investments in maintaining and modernizing these systems are expected to become increasingly difficult. Therefore, we propose to focus on upgrading each endpoint rather than upgrading the entire large-scale system, thereby transforming society from the endpoints.

In our autonomous system, since there is no central power supply nor information management, systems can be freely designed for each project. This enables us to develop the proper technology rather quickly with real-life feedback, obtaining optimal system insights in a very short period. This is in stark contrast to the traditional systems, which require significant investment and societal consensus for installation and upgrades, taking much time. With the rapid pace of today's world, upgrades to conventional systems may become obsolete or inadequate by the time they are implemented.

How does Autonomy Impact Energy Security?

Autonomy combined with decentralization will significantly improve the security of energy supply. This is not only because of the physical location of the generation and transmission facilities, but also due to the configuration of the system basically like a standalone system its information management and system control is less susceptible to widespread disasters. Additionally, as each system operates independently, risks like bugs or information security threats are less likely to spread, making the nationwide system extremely robust.

The Necessity of Flexible Grid Connection

Our goal is essentially to use large-capacity batteries in off-grid systems. However, considering the realistic supply of large-capacity batteries and the strategy for system popularization, it is necessary to utilize the existing power supply for smooth promotion. Especially, large capitalists, including countries and major power companies, are aiming to upgrade society with much larger systems than our target, such as smart grids (large-scale) and microgrids (small to medium-scale). While I believe these attempts will fail, the existing grid is expected to be somewhat updated and managed in the process, so it is wise to use it as far as it is avalable.

Steps for Realization

The concept described here may significantly alters the traditional way of energy supply, leading radical transformation of our lives and social structures. To achieve this, the first step is to install numerous solar power facilities for self-consumption and surplus power sales, thus increasing the basis for distributed power sources. Subsequently, in line with the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), we propose effectively utilizing the electricity generated for EV charging. The next phase involves the introduction of large-capacity batteries by adopting a DC-coupling system for the power supply at each demand site, we can increase the total amount of effectively extractable power from solar generation and avoid unnecessary losses from DC to AC conversion. Therefore, it becomes crucial to switch from the traditional AC-coupled system to a DC-coupled system for integrating solar power facilities, batteries, and loads at the right time. If we can extend the DC-coupling approach to household loads, new benefits emerge, such as proposing a smarter global-standard interface for home appliances and other domestic electrical devices, replacing traditional AC outlet plugs.

If you are going to hear more about it, Please feel free to contact us.

s_masuda@i-s3.com

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