US 2024/0405566 A1 · SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED CLEAN ENERGY BLACKSTART FOR BACKUP AUXILIARY POWER, MICROGRID CUSTOMER LOADS, AND UTILITY GRID

Abstract

A method and system for performing blackstart functionality from renewable generation and battery energy storage systems are disclosed. A plant may include a microgrid that includes one or more customer loads and that may provide power to a utility grid. Blackstart may be performed to restore operations to part or all of the plant or to external loads such as microgrid customer loads or part of the utility grid. In practice, blackstart may be performed in order to restore operation to the one or more feeders in the plant, such as to the generation sources within the plant, to restore power to the plant auxiliary loads, customer loads in the microgrid, and to provide power to different sections of the grid when transitioning from shutdown mode of operation. In this way, the method and system may automatically transition from a shutdown mode of operation to an islanded mode of operation.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for performing blackstart of a plant from a shutdown mode, wherein the plant includes at least one microgrid for powering one or more customer loads or wherein the plant, when grid-tied, provides power to or receives the power from at least part of a grid that is operated by a utility, wherein the plant when islanded is disconnected from providing or receiving power to the at least part of the grid, the method comprising:

responsive to receiving an indication to perform the blackstart:
checking status of one or both of at least one islanding breaker that islands the plant from the grid or at least one isolation breaker that isolates the plant from the one or more customer loads;
checking capacity to at least meet load that is energized in performing the blackstart;
preparing one or more devices within the plant for grid-forming in preparation for the blackstart;
and
performing the blackstart of at least one of the at least one microgrid or the at least part of the grid.

3 more elements

A plant configured to perform blackstart from a shutdown mode, the plant comprising:

at least one microgrid configured to supply power to one or more customer loads;
communication functionality configured to communicate with a utility;
and
at least one controller configured to:
responsive to receiving an indication to perform the blackstart:
check status of one or both of at least one islanding breaker that islands the plant from at least part of a grid that is operated by the utility or at least one isolation breaker that isolates the plant from the one or more customer loads, wherein the plant, when grid-tied, is configured to provide power to or receive the power from the at least part of the grid, wherein the plant when islanded is disconnected from providing or receiving power to the at least part of the grid;
check capacity to at least meet load that is energized in performing the blackstart;
prepare one or more devices within the plant for grid-forming in preparation for the blackstart;
and
perform the blackstart of at least one of the at least one microgrid or the at least part of the grid.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for automated clean energy blackstart for backup auxiliary power, microgrid customer loads, and utility grid

Life of this patent

System and method for automated clean energy blackstart for backup auxiliary power, microgrid customer loads, and utility grid

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20