AC Power Control for Transient Load Stability Without Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation systems with engine-generators face challenges in providing stable AC power during transient loads, leading to voltage and frequency variations, which are costly and inefficient due to the complexity of adding power converters and energy storage units.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an AC power meter, an energy storage system, and a controller that measures real AC power at multiple points and controls the AC power source to maintain a target level, eliminating the need for power converters and improving efficiency by directly managing voltage and frequency variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power converters and energy storage units are added to maintain stable power during transient loads, then power stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex power converter and energy storage unit components from the system. Instead of adding these devices, the invention uses the existing gen-set components (engine, generator, governor, voltage regulator) to achieve power stability, thereby eliminating the need for additional complexity-inducing equipment while maintaining reliability during transient loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing components to maintain power stability. The governor and voltage regulator, which are already part of the gen-set, are enhanced with control logic that allows them to work with the flywheel's inherent energy storage capability to stabilize power output during transient loads, making the system self-sufficient without external complex equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If power converters and energy storage units are added to maintain stable power during transient loads, then power stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for expensive power converters and energy storage units by extracting these components from the system design. The solution relies on enhancing control of existing components and utilizing the flywheel's natural properties, thereby significantly reducing system cost while maintaining power stability during transient loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex power electronic equipment with simpler, more cost-effective components. The enhanced control system using existing governor and voltage regulator mechanisms, combined with the flywheel's passive energy storage, provides a low-cost alternative to expensive active power conversion and storage systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the gen-set responds to load changes, then power stability is restored, but voltage and frequency variations occur during transient periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidvoltage and frequency stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flywheel is pre-spinning before transient loads occur, storing rotational kinetic energy in advance. When a transient load occurs, this pre-stored energy is immediately released to counteract the disturbance, preventing voltage and frequency variations before they can develop, while the control system makes preliminary adjustments to the engine speed setpoint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flywheel acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and mitigates the impact of transient loads before they affect the generator output. The rotational inertia of the pre-spinning flywheel provides a buffer that smooths out sudden power demands, cushioning the system against voltage and frequency variations during transient periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces system complexity and cost while enhancing efficiency in power generation by directly managing transient load impacts on the AC power line, maintaining stable voltage and frequency without the need for additional power converters.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage system configured to at least supply AC power to the AC power line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentUS12155207B1Power generation in a presence of a transient load(s)

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 MURRAY JAMES EMMETT

AI summary

A system includes a first AC power meter configured to measure a first real AC power at an output of a source of AC power on an AC power line. The system further includes an energy storage system configured to at least supply AC power to the AC power line. The system further includes a second AC power meter configured to measure a second real AC power at a junction between the energy storage system and an AC power line. The system further includes a first direct AC electrical path from the energy storage system through the second AC power meter to the AC power line. The system further includes a controller configured to control the source of the AC power to the AC power line based on the measured first and second real power to maintain the target AC power level on the AC power line.