AC Power Control During Line Disturbance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power systems face issues with sudden load changes when primary power sources are restored, leading to potential failures in power supply and unnecessary drainage of backup batteries due to improper power management during transitions between AC utility lines and backup generators.

Innovation Solution

A power control system that includes a primary power source, a backup power source, and a control component that monitors voltage levels to seamlessly transition power between sources, ensuring the backup power source provides only the necessary additional power during voltage drops and ramps down when the primary source is restored, preventing sudden load steps and battery drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the primary power source suddenly steps up from providing zero power to providing full power demanded by the load upon restoration, then the primary power source can quickly restore full power supply, but the primary power converter may fail to supply power during the transient period due to inability to manage sudden load changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower restoration speedVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the backup power source continue supplying power to the load during the transient period when the primary power source is restored. This prevents the sudden load step that would otherwise cause the primary power converter to fail, ensuring smooth transition and maintaining power supply reliability while the primary source gradually takes over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The backup power source acts as a cushion during the transition period, absorbing the shock of sudden load changes. By maintaining power supply during the transient period, it protects the primary power converter from overload conditions, enabling safe and reliable power restoration without compromising system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the backup power source provides power during the entire transition period including when the primary power source is restored, then continuous power supply to the load is maintained, but unnecessary drainage of batteries occurs due to improper power management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidbattery drainage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the status of the primary power source and provides feedback to adjust the backup power source operation. When the primary power source is restored and stable, the control system detects this condition and signals the backup power source to reduce or stop power supply, preventing unnecessary battery drainage while maintaining continuous power supply to the load during actual transition periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power contribution of the backup power source based on real-time conditions. During transition periods, the backup source actively supplies power; once the primary source is restored and stable, the backup source's contribution is reduced or eliminated. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous power supply reliability while minimizing energy loss from battery drainage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the backup power source ramps down power when the primary source is restored, then sudden load steps are prevented and power converter reliability is improved, but the transition period extends longer affecting productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower converter reliabilityVSAvoidpower restoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the power output parameter of the backup power source gradually rather than abruptly. By ramping down power in a controlled manner with adjustable rates, it prevents sudden load steps that would harm the primary power converter's reliability. The ramp rate can be optimized to balance the extended transition time against the risk of converter failure, achieving an optimal compromise between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9225202B1AC power control for a power supply system during AC line disturbance

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

System for providing AC power control is disclosed. The system includes a primary power source (e.g., AC power source or backup generator power source), a backup power source (e.g., battery in power supply unit), and a control component. The control component powers the load with the primary power source when output voltage of the primary power source is above a predetermined threshold. The control component is configured to power the load concurrently with both the primary power and the backup power if the output voltage of the primary power source falls below a predetermined threshold. The control component is also configured to disable the primary power source and power the load with only the backup power source, upon detection of a fault condition at the primary power source. Upon resolution of the fault condition, the primary power is ramped up and the backup power is simultaneous ramped down.