U.S. patent application number 17/662853 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for method of transmitting electricity.
The applicant listed for this patent is ALTERNATIVE TRANSMISSION INC.. Invention is credited to Adam R. ROUSSELLE, SR., Jeffrey Dana Watkiss, Steven Weber.
Application Number | 20220270026 17/662853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006322557 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220270026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROUSSELLE, SR.; Adam R. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2022 |
METHOD OF TRANSMITTING ELECTRICITY
Abstract
A method of transmitting electricity including providing a
shippable container configured to transport a liquid electrolyte
solution to a first charging station. The first charging station is
configured to apply electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution.
The first charging station charges the liquid electrolyte solution
by applying electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The
charged liquid electrolyte solution is loaded into the shippable
container and transported to a discharging station. The electrolyte
solution is electrically discharged at the discharging station and
subsequently transported to a second charging station.
Inventors: |
ROUSSELLE, SR.; Adam R.;
(Doylestown, PA) ; Weber; Steven; (Madison,
WI) ; Watkiss; Jeffrey Dana; (Washington,
DC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALTERNATIVE TRANSMISSION INC. |
Sullivans Island |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006322557 |
Appl. No.: |
17/662853 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16376341 |
Apr 5, 2019 |
11361271 |
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17662853 |
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62653707 |
Apr 6, 2018 |
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62678771 |
May 31, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61D 5/00 20130101; G06Q
10/08 20130101; H02J 3/28 20130101; H02J 7/00045 20200101; G06Q
10/083 20130101; H01M 8/04925 20130101; H01M 2250/10 20130101; H01M
8/188 20130101; H01M 2250/20 20130101; B65G 65/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; H02J 3/28 20060101 H02J003/28; H01M 8/04858 20060101
H01M008/04858; H01M 8/18 20060101 H01M008/18; B65G 65/02 20060101
B65G065/02; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; B61D 5/00 20060101
B61D005/00 |
Claims
1. A method of transmitting electricity, comprising: transferring
electrical charge to a mobile medium provided at a first charging
station at a first location; receiving by the mobile medium
electrical charge from the first charging station; transporting the
charged mobile medium to a second location; transferring electrical
charge to the mobile medium provided at the second charging station
at the second location; and receiving by the mobile medium
electrical charge from the second charging station.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile medium includes one or
more of liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes, lithium ion cells,
sodium ion cells, or sulfur containing electrolytes.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second charging station is
the same as the first charging station.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second charging station is
different from the first charging station.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second charging station is at
a location different from the first charging station and wherein
the second charging station is across state lines relative to the
first charging station.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first charging station
includes an electrical substation.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first charging station
includes an electrical generating station.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the electrical generating station
generates electricity from at least one of solar or wind.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second charging station
includes an electrical substation.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first charging station
includes an electrical generating station.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the electrical generating
station generates electricity from at least one of solar or
wind.
12. A method of transmitting electricity, comprising: providing a
transportation system containing a mobile medium that is configured
to be charged; delivering, via the transportation system, the
mobile medium to a first charging station, the first charging
station configured to apply electricity to the mobile medium;
charging the mobile medium by applying electricity from the first
charging station; delivering, via the transportation system, the
charged mobile medium to a second charging station, the second
charging station being at a location different than the first
charging station; and charging the mobile medium by applying
electricity from the second charging station.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile medium includes one
or more of liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes, lithium ion
cells, sodium ion cells, or sulfur containing electrolytes.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the transportation system
includes at least one of: a car, a truck, a rail, a ship, or a
plane.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the transportation system
includes a car or a truck.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the second charging station is
across state lines relative to the first charging station.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the first charging station
includes an electrical substation.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the second charging station
includes an electrical substation.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/376,341, filed Apr. 5, 2019, which claims the benefit of,
and priority to, U.S. App. No. 62/653,707, filed Apr. 6, 2018, and
U.S. App. No. 62/678,771, filed May 31, 2018, which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present application is generally directed to a method
for transmitting electricity.
BACKGROUND
[0003] During the dispatch of the bulk electrical grid, congestion
prevents the delivery of low cost electricity from certain
electricity generators to certain electrical load zones because the
electrical transmission circuits that connect the generator to the
load have reached their maximum capabilities. New transmission
circuits needed to connect the generators to the load zones can
take years to build and often the land needed for rights-of-way is
not available.
[0004] Building the current wire-based electrical transmission
infrastructure faces massive competition for surface rights-of-way,
takes years to build and requires hundreds of millions of
dollars.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an embodiment, a method of transmitting electricity
includes providing a first charging station at a first location
configured to transfer electrical charge to a mobile medium capable
of carrying and maintaining electrical charge or electricity until
the medium is discharged into the grid. The method also includes
receiving, by the mobile medium, electrical charge from the first
charging station, transporting the charged mobile medium to a
second location and discharging the charged mobile medium such that
electrons therein are transported from the first location to the
second location without a wired transmission network. In a
presently preferred embodiment, the mobile medium contains more
than 33 kV of electric potential and is transported
contemporaneously by one or more mobile storage units across state
lines before discharge from the mobile medium at the second
location.
[0006] In an embodiment, a method of transmitting electricity
includes providing a shippable container configured to transport a
liquid electrolyte solution to a first charging station. The first
charging station is configured to apply electricity to the liquid
electrolyte solution. The method additionally includes charging the
liquid electrolyte solution by applying electricity from the first
charging station and loading the charged liquid electrolyte
solution into the shippable container. Alternatively, the liquid
electrolyte may be charged while in the shippable container. The
method also includes transporting the shippable container
containing the charged liquid electrolyte solution to a discharging
station and discharging the charged liquid electrolyte solution. In
some embodiments, the shippable container is transported across
state lines. The method further includes transporting the shippable
container containing the discharged liquid electrolyte solution to
a second charging station.
[0007] In an embodiment, a method of transmitting electricity
includes providing a first charging station at a first location
configured to transfer electrical energy to a mobile discharging
station which includes a medium capable of carrying and maintaining
electrical energy until the medium discharges electricity into the
grid from the discharging station. The method also includes
receiving by the mobile discharging station electrical energy from
the first charging station, transporting the discharging station to
a second location and discharging the electricity such that the
electricity is transported from the first location to the second
location without a wired transmission network. In a presently
preferred embodiment, the discharging station is able to discharge
at least 0.1 megawatt hour of power. The mobile medium contains
electrical energy of more than 3.6 Megajoules and is transported
contemporaneously by one or more mobile units across state lines
before discharge from the mobile medium at the second location. In
another presently preferred embodiment, the discharging station
discharges the electricity into an electrical grid.
[0008] In an embodiment, a method of transmitting electricity
includes providing a shippable discharging station container
configured to transport an electrolyte solution to a first charging
station. The first charging station is configured to charge
electrical energy into the electrolyte solution. The method
additionally includes charging the electrolyte solution by applying
electrical energy from the first charging station and loading the
charged electrolyte solution into the shippable discharging
station. Alternatively, the electrolyte may be charged while in the
shippable discharging station. The method also includes
transporting the shippable discharging station and discharging the
electrical energy. In some embodiments, the shippable discharging
station is transported across state lines. The method further
includes transporting the shippable discharging station containing
the discharged electrolyte solution to a second charging
station.
[0009] An advantage of exemplary embodiments is that it transfers
electric energy across state lines from one location to another
having a load zone in need of that electric energy and, as a
result, qualifies as transmission of electricity instead of storage
in the context of current U.S. regulatory requirements, yet that
transmission from the first to the second location is accomplished
without the use of the traditional wired network.
[0010] That is, by executing the process steps described herein,
transportation of electric energy by mobile containers from a
charging station to an electrical substation adjacent a discharging
station and discharging the electricity at the desired load zone,
exemplary embodiments transform what is commonly known as "storage"
into what the electrical industry and U.S. governmental regulations
define as "transmission of electric energy in interstate
commerce."
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method of transmitting
electricity, according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of transmitting
electricity, according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of transmitting
electricity, according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system of transmitting
electricity, according an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system of transmitting
electricity, according an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a discharging station, according to
an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a shippable discharging station
according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell,
according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a map illustrating locational delivery, according
to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell,
according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Provided is a method of transmitting electrical energy.
Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, in comparison
to concepts failing to include one or more of the features
disclosed herein, result in the storage, transportation, and
transmission of electrical energy.
[0023] Transmitting electricity over great distances historically
has required transmission wires that physically interconnected
generators to load zones. Electrolyte solution historically has
been used as a battery or storage device where the charging and
discharging occurs at a fixed location.
[0024] In an embodiment, a liquid electrolyte solution is charged
(e.g., oxidized or reduced) to store electrical energy. The liquid
electrolyte solution can then be transported using a transportation
system (e.g., car, truck, rail, ship, and/or air) to deliver the
charged liquid electrolyte solution to a remote location where and
when needed. In one embodiment, the charged liquid electrolyte
solution is transported by rail.
[0025] While described herein primarily with respect to liquid
electrolyte solution, the invention is not so limited. It will be
appreciated that any means for bulk transfer of electrons in a
container from one location to another without the use of a wired
network and that can be charged at the first location and later
discharged into a load zone at or accessible from a second location
may be employed, including for example, and without limitation,
lithium ion cells and the like.
[0026] The energy stored in the charged liquid electrolyte solution
may be discharged as needed. In some embodiments, the liquid
electrolyte solution may be charged at a first location and
discharged at a second, different location. In an embodiment, the
discharging may be performed at a location not served by an
electrical grid. In another embodiment, the discharging may be
performed at a location to augment an existing electrical grid. In
a further embodiment, the discharging may be configured to provide
power in excess of the capacity of an existing electrical grid.
[0027] An embodiment of a method 100 of transmitting electricity is
shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 1, at block 110, a
shippable container configured to accept, carry and off-load
charged and/or inert electrolyte solution is provided at a first
charging station. In some embodiments, the shippable container may
include a railroad tank car, tanker truck, tanker trailer, ocean
going tanker, or sealable shipping container. In one embodiment,
the shippable container is configured to be shippable by railroad.
In one embodiment, the shippable container is a railroad tank car
configured to transport the liquid electrolyte solution. In some
embodiments, the first charging station includes an electrical
substation. In some embodiments, the first charging station
includes an electrical generating station. In some embodiments, the
electrical generating station generates at least a portion of the
station output from solar and/or wind energy. In some embodiments,
the first charging station includes a railroad spur.
[0028] At block 120, the liquid electrolyte solution is charged by
applying electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution from the
charging station (e.g., electrical substation). The number of
shippable containers and the amount of the liquid electrolyte
solution may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of
electrical power to a discharging station (e.g., electrical
substation, remote job site). In some presently preferred
embodiments, the amount of electric potential transported for
discharge into a load zone remote from the first location is
greater than 33 kV. In some cases, that may require contemporaneous
transportation of multiple containers of the charged electrolyte
solution. The transport of electrolyte by railcar can transport
approximately 100 cubic meters of electrolyte per railcar, or
approximately enough electrolyte to provide 1 MW of energy for 1.5
hours.
[0029] At block 130, the shippable container is loaded with the
liquid electrolyte solution. In some embodiments, the liquid
electrolyte solution may include a catholyte. In some embodiments,
the liquid electrolyte solution may include an anolyte. In some
embodiments, the shippable container may be partitioned to
transport both an anolyte and a catholyte. Examples of suitable
redox couples include Iron/Chromium (Fe.sup.2+/Fe.sup.3+ and
Cr.sup.2+/Cr.sup.3+) and Vanadium (V.sup.2+/V.sup.3+ and
V.sup.4+/V.sup.5+).
[0030] At block 140, the shippable container containing the charged
liquid electrolyte solution is transported to a discharging
station. In some embodiments, the shippable container is
transported using a transportation system (e.g., car, truck, rail,
ship, or air). In one embodiment, the shippable container
containing the charged liquid electrolyte solution is transported
at least in part by railroad. In some embodiments, the discharging
station includes a railroad spur. In some embodiments, an anolyte
and a catholyte may be transported in separate shippable containers
as part of the same shipment.
[0031] At block 150, the liquid electrolyte solution is off-loaded
to the discharging station. In some embodiments, the discharging
station includes an electrical substation. In some embodiments, at
least some of the catholyte is added to a cathode region of an
electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, at least some of the
anolyte is added to an anode region of an electrochemical cell.
[0032] At block 160, the liquid electrolyte solution is discharged
into a load zone at or accessible from the second discharge
station. In some embodiments, the discharging liquid electrolyte
solution is used to power an electrical load. In some embodiments,
the discharging liquid electrolyte solution provides electricity to
an electrical grid.
[0033] At block 170, the shippable container containing the
discharged liquid electrolyte solution is transported to a second
charging station. In some embodiments, the discharged liquid
electrolyte solution may be (re)charged at the second charging
station. In some embodiments, the discharged liquid electrolyte
solution may be partially or completely replaced by fresh liquid
electrolyte solution. The second charging station may be the same
or different as the first charging station. Similarly, the second
charging station may be located at the same or different location
as the first charging station. That is, the shippable containers
may be shuttled back and forth between the first and second
locations where they can be charged, discharged, and re-charged as
needed.
[0034] In some embodiments, the shippable container is transported
using a transportation system (e.g., car, truck, rail, ship, and/or
air). In one embodiment, the shippable container is transported at
least in part by railroad. In some embodiments, the second charging
station includes a railroad spur. It will be appreciated that in
some embodiments, a portion of the electricity of the charged
solution may be used to power the locomotive or other engine that
moves the mobile containers that carry the charged electrolyte. In
some embodiments, a portion of the electricity of the charged
solution may be used to power the car or truck that moves the
mobile containers that carry the charged electrolyte.
[0035] An embodiment of a method 200 of transmitting electricity is
shown in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 2, at block 210, a first
charging station is provided at a first location and configured to
transfer electrical charge to a mobile medium. In some embodiments,
the first charging station includes an electrical substation. In
some embodiments, the first charging station includes an electrical
generating station. In some embodiments, the electrical generating
station generates at least a portion of the station output from
solar and/or wind energy. In some embodiments, the first charging
station includes a railroad spur.
[0036] At block 220, a mobile medium receives an electrical charge
from the first charging station. In some embodiments, the mobile
medium includes a liquid electrolyte solution. In some embodiments,
the mobile medium includes a solid electrolyte solution.
[0037] At block 230, the electrically charged mobile medium is
transported to a second location. In some embodiments, the charged
mobile medium is transported using a transportation system (e.g.,
car, truck, rail, ship, and/or air). In one embodiment, the charged
mobile medium is transported at least in part by railroad. In some
embodiments, the second location includes a railroad spur.
[0038] At block 240, the electrically charged mobile medium is
electrically discharged. In some embodiments, the discharging
mobile medium is used to power an electrical load. In some
embodiments, the discharging mobile medium supplies electricity to
an electrical grid. In some embodiments, the discharging station
includes an electrical substation.
[0039] At block 250, the electrically discharged mobile medium is
transported to a second charging station. In some embodiments, the
discharged mobile medium may be charged at the second charging
station. In some embodiments, the discharged mobile medium may be
partially or completely replaced by fresh electrolyte solution. The
second charging station may be the same as or different from the
first charging station. The second charging station may be located
at the same or different location as the first charging station. In
some embodiments, the discharged mobile medium is transported using
a transportation system (e.g., car, truck, rail, ship, and/or air).
In one embodiment, the discharged mobile medium is transported at
least in part by railroad. In some embodiments, the second charging
station includes a railroad spur. It will be appreciated that the
number of either or both the charging and discharging stations as
well as the locations of and geographical relationships between
charging and discharging stations may be changed to fit differing
electrical dispatch requirements as the grid evolves over time or
as determined by operations or customer needs. FIG. 8 is a map
illustrating locational delivery, according to an embodiment.
[0040] In an embodiment, a shippable discharging station including
an electrolyte solution is charged (e.g., oxidized or reduced) to
carry electrical energy. The discharging station can then be
transported using a transportation system (e.g., car, truck, rail,
ship, and/or air) to deliver the electrical energy to a remote
location where and when needed. In one embodiment, the discharging
station is transported by rail. In one embodiment, the discharging
station is transported by truck. In some embodiments, the shippable
discharging station may include various connection means in order
to allow the electrical energy to be discharged into a load zone or
power grid. In some embodiments, the connection means may include
physical connection means such as plugs, cables, and/or bus bars.
In some embodiments, the connection means may provide the ability
to connect to a communication network, authenticate secure access
to a grid or load zone, regulate the power provided to the load,
and/or communicate with a remote monitoring system.
[0041] It will be appreciated that any means for bulk transfer of
electrical energy in a container from one location to another
without the use of a wired network and that can be charged at the
first location and later discharged into a load zone at or
accessible from a second location may be employed. Suitable
examples include, but are not limited to, solid electrolytes,
lithium ion cells, sodium ion cells, sulfur containing
electrolytes, and the like.
[0042] The electricity in the shippable discharging station may be
discharged as needed. In some embodiments, the shippable
discharging station may be charged at a first location and
discharged at a second, different location. In an embodiment, the
discharging may be performed at a location not served by an
electrical grid. In another embodiment, the discharging may be
performed at a location to augment an existing electrical grid. In
a further embodiment, the discharging may be configured to provide
power in excess of the capacity of an existing electrical grid.
[0043] An embodiment of a method 300 of transmitting electricity is
shown in FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 3, at block 310, a
shippable discharging station including an electrolyte solution
configured to accept, carry, and discharge electrical energy is
provided at a first charging station. In some embodiments, the
shippable discharging station may include both an anolyte and a
catholyte. Examples of suitable redox couples include Iron/Chromium
(Fe.sup.2+/Fe.sup.3+ and Cr.sup.2+/Cr.sup.3+) Zinc/Bromine
(Zn.sup.1+/Zn.sup.2+ and Br.sub.2/2Br.sup.1-), and Vanadium
(V.sup.2+/V.sup.3+ and V.sup.4+/V.sup.5+). In some embodiments, the
shippable discharging station may include a railroad car, truck,
truck trailer, ship, or other transport means. In some embodiments,
the shippable discharging station is configured to be shippable by
truck or railroad. In one embodiment, the shippable discharging
station includes a truck configured to transport the shippable
discharging station. In some embodiments, the first charging
station includes an electrical substation. In some embodiments, the
first charging station includes an electrical generating station.
In some embodiments, the electrical generating station generates at
least a portion of the station output from solar and/or wind
energy. In some embodiments, the first charging station includes a
railroad spur.
[0044] At block 320, the shippable discharging station is charged
by applying electricity to the shippable discharging station from
the first charging station (e.g., electrical substation). The
number and/or capacity of shippable discharging station may be
selected to provide a predetermined amount of electrical energy at
the remote site. In some presently preferred embodiments, the
amount of electric energy transported for discharge into a load
zone remote from the first location is greater than 3.6 Megajoules.
In some cases, that may require contemporaneous transportation of
multiple shippable discharging stations. In some embodiments, the
amount of energy stored by the shippable discharging station may be
at least about 0.1 Megawatt hour, at least about 0.5 Megawatt hour,
at least about 1 Megawatt hour, at least about 2 Megawatt hour, or
more.
[0045] At block 330, the shippable discharging station is
transported to a discharge location. In some embodiments, the
shippable discharging station is transported using a transportation
system (e.g., car, truck, rail, ship, or air). In one embodiment,
the shippable discharging station is transported at least in part
by truck. In some embodiments, the discharging location includes an
electrical substation. In some embodiments, an anolyte and a
catholyte may be transported in separate shippable containers as
part of the same shipment.
[0046] At block 340, the electricity is discharged by the shippable
discharging station at the discharge location. In some embodiments,
the shippable discharging station may be discharged into a load
zone or an electrical load. In some embodiments, the discharge
location includes an electrical substation. In some embodiments,
the shippable discharging station provides electricity to an
electrical grid.
[0047] At block 350, the discharged shippable discharging station
is transported to a second charging station. In some embodiments,
the discharged shippable discharging station may be (re)charged at
the second charging station. In some embodiments, the discharged
shippable discharging station may be partially or completely
charged, for example, by replacing the electrolyte solution with
fresh (charged) electrolyte solution. The second charging station
may be the same or different as the first charging station.
Similarly, the second charging station may be located at the same
or different location as the first charging station. That is, the
shippable discharging station may be shuttled back and forth
between the first and second locations where it can be charged,
discharged, and re-charged as needed.
[0048] In some embodiments, the shippable discharging station is
transported using a transportation system (e.g., car, truck, rail,
ship, and/or air). In one embodiment, the shippable discharging
station is transported at least in part by truck or railroad. In
some embodiments, the discharge location includes a railroad spur.
It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a portion of the
electricity of the shippable discharging station may be used to
power the truck or other transportation means that moves the
shippable discharging station.
[0049] In some embodiments, the discharge station may be
essentially continuously operated while charged sources of
electrical energy; (e.g., electrolyte, lithium, or the like) are
sequentially connected to the shippable discharging station to
provide an essentially continuous supply of electrical energy.
[0050] It will be appreciated that the number of either or both the
charging and shippable discharging station as well as the locations
of and geographical relationships between charging and discharge
location may be changed to fit differing electrical dispatch
requirements as the grid evolves over time or as determined by
operations or customer needs.
[0051] A user could either connect the discharging station directly
to a customer's location or request an interconnection into an
Independent System Operator's (ISO) electrical grid. Alternatively,
a user could respond to a public request by the ISO for solutions
to grid congestion and offer the method and systems described
herein as the most economical and/or timely solution.
[0052] An example of the response to a public request might be: The
ISO (a regional ISO such as PJM) may conduct an "Open Access
Window" requesting offers or solutions to solve for transmission
grid congestion. Where one of these points of congestion is
adjacent to an existing railway or other transportation network
that can be used to connect a generator to this area, exemplary
embodiments can be effectively used.
[0053] When connecting to an electrical grid, the shippable
discharging station may need to synchronize the discharging
electricity with electricity flowing through the grid from other
sources. The shippable discharging station may include circuitry to
provide impedance matching, phase matching, frequency matching,
and/or voltage matching in order to synchronize the electrical
signals. In some embodiments, the discharging station further
includes circuitry to detect and analyze the electrical signal
already present within the grid. In some embodiment, the circuitry
will provide the electricity to the grid in accordance with IEEE
1547.
[0054] The emergence of "Smart Grid" technology allows for the
management of the distribution of electricity. In order to
communicate with and connect to a "Smart Grid" the shippable
discharging station may include circuitry that can communicate with
a management unit of the "Smart Grid". The shippable discharging
station may communicate with the management unit via, for example,
the internet, wired or wireless telephone, or the electrical
distribution system itself. In some embodiments, the shippable
discharging station may include circuitry that allows the shippable
discharging station to communicate with the management unit
securely. In one embodiment, the communication between the
shippable discharging station and the management unit is encrypted.
In one embodiment, the shippable discharging station may provide
authentication to the management unit to gain access to the
electrical grid.
[0055] In one embodiment, the circuitry may use the measured
electrical signal of the grid to calculate a synchrophasor. A first
synchrophaser is a time-synchronized representation of the
magnitude and phase angle of the sine waves of electrical signal.
The first synchrophaser may include voltage, current, phase angle,
and frequency, corresponding to the electrical signal at a grid
node. The first synchrophasor may then be used by the circuitry of
the shippable charging station to allow for impedance matching,
phase matching, frequency matching, and/or voltage matching in
order to synchronize the electrical signals.
[0056] In a further embodiment, one or more additional
synchrophasors may be simultaneously determined by sampling
circuitry at one or more additional grid nodes. The one or more
additional grid nodes may be geographically spaced apart from the
first grid node. The one or more additional synchrophasors may be
time synchronized with the first synchrophasor. In some
embodiments, the first synchrophasor and the one or more additional
synchrophasors are time synchronized to within about 10
milliseconds, about 7 milliseconds, about 5 milliseconds, about 3
milliseconds, about 2 milliseconds, and/or about 1
milliseconds.
[0057] The first synchrophasor and additional synchrophasors may be
communicated to a management unit via a local network and/or the
internet. The management unit may be geographically spaced apart
from the shippable discharging station. Alternatively, the
management unit may be integral to the shippable charging
station.
[0058] The synchrophasor data may be transferred to the management
unit via various data protocols including User Datagram Protocol
(UDP), or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) over the Internet in
combination with Internet Protocol (IP). In one embodiment, the
data is transmitted using User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The data
may optionally be encrypted for data security.
[0059] The management unit may than communicate with the shippable
discharging station to regulate the rate of discharge of
electricity by the shippable discharging station to the electrical
grid. In one embodiment, the discharge of electricity may be
regulated to provide load balancing to the electrical grid. In
another embodiment, the discharge of electricity may be regulated
to improve the grid stability.
[0060] In one embodiment, the discharge of electricity may be
managed by a management unit including a processor and a memory,
one or more shippable discharging stations, one or more sensors
coupled to an electrical grid and configured to measure at least
one characteristic of the electrical grid, and one or more sensors
coupled to the one or more shippable discharging stations and
configured to measure at least one characteristic of the one or
more shippable discharging stations. The management unit receives
one or more characteristics from a first grid node from one or more
grid sensors at a first time and determines a power output
requirement based on the one or more characteristics from the first
grid node. The management unit then regulates the operation of the
one or more shippable discharging stations, based on the power
output requirement.
[0061] The management unit may additionally receive one or more
characteristics from a second grid node from one or more grid
sensors at a second time. The management unit may determine the
power output requirement based on both the one or more
characteristics from the first grid node and the one or more
characteristics from the second grid node. In some embodiments, the
first time and the second time may be substantially the same. In
some embodiments, the first time and the second time may be within
about 10 milliseconds, about 7 milliseconds, about 5 milliseconds,
about 3 milliseconds, about 2 milliseconds, and/or about 1
milliseconds of each other.
[0062] During the discharge of electricity by the shippable
discharging station, the electricity may be provided as direct
current (DC) or alternating current (AC). In some embodiments, the
shippable discharging station may include circuitry to convert DC
current to AC current and/or AC current to DC current. In one
embodiment, the shippable discharging station provides DC current
to circuitry that converts the DC current to AC current prior to
providing the electricity to a load zone or an electrical load.
[0063] FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate systems of
transmitting electricity in accordance with embodiments described
herein. In the example of FIG. 4, a system of electrical
transmission 400 provides electricity from a first electrical
substation 410 to a charging station 420 configured to charge an
electrolyte solution to form a charged electrolyte solution 430,
which may be stored in one or more tanks. The charged electrolyte
solution 430 is transported, at least in part, by railcar 440 to a
discharging station 450 configured to receive the charged
electrolyte solution 430, which may be off loaded to a storage tank
or pumped directly from the railcar to the discharging station 450,
and electrically discharge the charged electrolyte solution 430 to
provide electricity to a second electrical substation or load 460.
The discharged electrolyte solution 470 is collected and may be
transported, at least in part, by railcar 440 to a charging station
420. The charging station 420 may subsequently recharge all or part
of the discharged electrolyte solution 470.
[0064] In the example of FIG. 5, a system of electrical
transmission 500 provides electricity from a first electrical
substation 510 to a charging station 520 configured to charge an
electrolyte solution to form a charged electrolyte solution 530.
The charged electrolyte solution 530 is transported, at least in
part, by railcar 540 and at least in part by a ship 550 to a
discharging station 560 configured to receive the charged
electrolyte solution 530 and discharge the charged electrolyte
solution 530 to provide electricity to a second electrical
substation or load 570. The discharged electrolyte solution 580 is
collected and may be transported, at least in part, by railcar 540
and/or ship 550 to a charging station 520. The charging station 520
may subsequently recharge all or part of the discharged electrolyte
solution 580.
[0065] FIG. 6 is a conceptual illustration of the principles of a
charging or discharging station 600, according to an embodiment,
depending on the flow of electricity. In the example of FIG. 6, one
or more electrochemical cells 610 having a separator membrane 620
which partitions the electrochemical cell 610. A cathode 630
surrounded by catholyte 640 is provided on one side of the
separator membrane 620. The catholyte 640 may be periodically or
continuously refreshed within the cell 610 by a catholyte
circulation pump 650. The cathode 630 is in electrical
communication with an anode 660 surrounded by anolyte 670 on an
opposing side of the separator membrane 620. The anolyte 670 may be
periodically or continuously refreshed within the cell 610 by an
anolyte circulation pump 680. The flow of electricity may be
directed through an electrical load 685. A catholyte 640 source,
such as, a railcar 690 containing catholyte may be connected to the
charging or discharging station 600 to supply and/or refresh the
catholyte 640 of the charging or discharging station 600. It would
be appreciated that one or more railcars 690 may supply charged or
discharged catholyte 640 to the charging or discharging station 600
while one or more railcars 690 may receive charged or discharged
catholyte 640 from the charging or discharging station 600. In some
embodiments, the discharging station 600 may be transported on a
railcar.
[0066] In an alternate embodiment, a system of electrical
transmission 700 may include a shippable discharging station 710
which may be integral to a railcar 715, as shown in FIG. 7. In one
embodiment, the discharge of electricity may be managed by a
management unit 720 including a processor 722 and a memory 724. The
management unit 720 receives at least one characteristic of an
electrical grid from one or more grid sensors 730 coupled to a
first grid node 735 and configured to measure at least one
characteristic of the first grid node 735. The management unit 720
also receives at least one characteristic of an electrochemical
cell 740 from one or more cell sensors 745 coupled to the
electrochemical cell 740 and configured to measure at least one
characteristic of the electrochemical cell 740. The management unit
720 receives one or more characteristics from a first grid node 735
from one or more grid sensors 730 at a first time and determines a
power output requirement based on the one or more characteristics
from the first grid node 735. The management unit 720 then
regulates the operation of the one or more shippable discharging
stations 710 to cause the electrochemical cell 740 to discharge
electricity into the electrical grid, based on the power output
requirement. In one embodiment, the electrical energy enters the
electrical grid at the first grid node 735. The management unit may
additionally receive one or more characteristics from a second grid
node 750 from one or more grid sensors 730 at a second time. The
management unit 720 may determine the power output requirement
based on both the one or more characteristics from the first grid
node 735 and the one or more characteristics from the second grid
node 750. The first grid node 735 and the second grid node 750 are
typically spaced apart. In some embodiments, the first time and the
second time may be substantially the same. In some embodiments, the
first time and the second time may be within about 10 milliseconds,
about 7 milliseconds, about 5 milliseconds, about 3 milliseconds,
about 2 milliseconds, and/or about 1 milliseconds of each other. In
one embodiment, the shippable discharging station 710 may include
the charging or discharging station 600.
[0067] In some embodiments, the discharge station is operated
essentially continuously. In an embodiment, multiple shippable
containers of electrolyte solution are simultaneously connected to
the discharge station and configured to provide an essentially
continuous supply of charged electrolyte to the discharge station
while simultaneously receiving discharged electrolyte from the
discharge station. For example, the discharge station may be
essentially continuously operated while railcars are sequentially
connected to the system to provide an essentially continuous supply
of fresh electrolyte. Railcars may also be sequentially connected
to the system to essentially continuously receive discharged
electrolyte. In some embodiments, the discharged electrolyte may be
further transported to a remote charging station.
[0068] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the release of electricity
at a discharge station 800. In the example of FIG. 8, an
electrochemical cell 810 includes an ion-selective membrane 820. A
cathode 830 and catholyte 840 is present on one side of the
separator membrane 820. A catholyte circulation pump 850 may
periodically or continuously circulate catholyte 840 to the
electrochemical cell 810. Similarly, an anode 860 and anolyte 870
is present on an opposing side of the separator membrane 820. An
anolyte circulation pump 880 may periodically or continuously
circulate anolyte 870 to the electrochemical cell 810. The cathode
830 and anode 860 are electrically connected via a power source or
load 890.
[0069] FIG. 9 is an example of locational delivery of electrical
transmission by rail. In the example of FIG. 9 a regional map 900
is provided showing one or more electrolyte charging stations 910
which provide charged electrolyte which can be transport via rail
lines 920 to one or more electrical discharging stations 930.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrochemical device
1000. The electrochemical device 1000 includes a plurality of
electrochemical cells 1010 which are electrically connected. The
electrochemical cells 1010 are additionally materially
interconnected to allow anolyte to be collectively shared between
the electrochemical cells 1010. The electrochemical cells 1010 are
also materially connected to allow catholyte to collectively shared
between the electrochemical cells 1010. Catholyte supply 1020
supplies the electrochemical cells 1010 with charged catholyte
while receiving discharged (neutral) catholyte from the
electrochemical cells 1010. The catholyte supply 1020 may itself be
supplied with catholyte via for example a rail link.
[0071] While the invention has been described with reference to one
or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In
addition, all numerical values identified in the detailed
description shall be interpreted as though the precise and
approximate values are both expressly identified.
* * * * *