Systems and methods for mitigating transient events in a power generation system

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to transient event mitigating systems and methods that can be incorporated into a power generation system. The power generation system can include an exciter coupled to an alternating current (AC) generator that provides electric power to power lines. The transient event mitigating system can include an automatic voltage regulator that detects a transient event in one or more of the power lines and configures a power converter to respond to the transient event by increasing an amount of direct current (DC) voltage coupled into the power converter. The power converter can provide the increased DC voltage to an exciter coil of the exciter for a transitory period of time in order to adjust the electric power generated by the AC generator and mitigate adverse effects of the transient event.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This disclosure generally relates to power generation systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for mitigating transient events in a power generation system.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]An electric power generation system typically includes a power plant for generating electricity that is provided to various customers via an electric grid. The amount of electricity that is consumed by the customers not only depends on the type of the customer (residential customer, industrial customer, commercial customer, etc.) but on the nature of the equipment that is coupled to the electric grid as well. An industrial customer, for example, may have one or more large motors that are subjected to varying loads. The motors may accordingly draw a large amount of electricity from the electric grid at some times and then reduce consumption at other times. A residential customer may use lights during the evening hours and turn off these lights later at ni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Embodiments of this patent are about a system and method that can help protect power generation systems from sudden power surges (called "transient events") that can occur on power lines. The system detects these events and quickly increases the voltage to the power lines to reduce the impact of the event. This is done using an alternative current generator, a primary direct current voltage source, a secondary direct current voltage source, a switch, an automatic voltage regulator, and a power converter. The system can also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with instructions for detecting and managing transient events in power lines. The technical effect of this patent is to create a system that can protect power generation systems from sudden power surges and minimize the impact of transient events on power lines.

Problems solved by technology

The transient power conditions generally last for a short period of time and create large voltage spikes that can cause harm to equipment if left unaddressed.

Some fail to react fast enough to be effective, while some others fail to dampen the transient voltages to a desired level.

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