Back-up generator and associated electric power systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back-up generators are inefficient, noisy, and inadequate for prolonged power supply during grid outages, while grid-tied renewable resources shut down when the grid fails and require high storage capacities not typically met by existing battery systems.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated electric power system combining a generator assembly with an energy storage assembly, including a fuel-powered engine and renewable energy sources, synchronizes power output with a micro-grid, efficiently storing excess energy and adjusting charging protocols based on weather forecasts and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional back-up generators are used to provide power during grid outages, then power supply is available, but the system is inefficient, noisy, and only provides temporary solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel-powered generator assembly with a renewable energy assembly (solar panels, wind turbine) and a rechargeable battery into a single integrated power system. The controller coordinates these components to work together, using renewable energy when available and supplementing with generator power when needed, thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power system performs multiple functions: it generates power from fuel, captures renewable energy from solar and wind sources, stores energy in batteries, and intelligently manages power distribution. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate efficiently across varying conditions, reducing reliance on the generator alone.
2Reliability
If conventional back-up generators are used, then power is provided during outages, but the system is inadequate for prolonged power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges rechargeable batteries using renewable energy sources during periods when the grid is operational or when renewable generation is abundant. This preliminary energy storage ensures that sufficient power is available to extend the duration of back-up power supply when the grid fails and renewable sources are insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts system parameters based on real-time conditions, including battery charge state, renewable energy availability, and load requirements. By changing operational parameters such as charging rates and power distribution, the system optimizes power supply duration while maintaining efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If grid-tied renewable resources are used, then renewable energy is utilized, but the systems shut down when the grid fails
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable battery assembly acts as an intermediary between the renewable energy sources and the load. It decouples the renewable generation from the grid connection status, allowing the system to continue operating on stored renewable energy even when the grid fails. The controller manages this intermediary storage to ensure continuous power supply.
4Duration of action of moving object
If high storage capacities are used to support renewable resources, then uninterrupted power is possible, but existing battery systems do not meet the required storage capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic power management where the controller continuously monitors and adjusts power flow based on real-time conditions. By dynamically optimizing when to charge batteries from renewable sources and when to discharge to meet load demands, the system maximizes the utility of available battery capacity, effectively extending power supply duration without requiring excessively large battery banks.
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
Provides uninterrupted power for an indefinite period, efficiently using renewable energy and minimizing generator operation, with reduced noise and size, suitable for off-grid or micro-grid applications, and adaptable to varying load demands.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel-powered engine and renewable energy sources
Implementation Method 2
a heat engine (for example, a fuel-powered combustion engine) connected to a high frequency generator
Implementation Method 3
a rechargeable battery to store power generated by the generator
Implementation Method 4
an inverter to convert the power to a desired voltage and frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power system is disclosed herein. The electric power system may manage and store electric power and provide uninterrupted electric power, derived from a plurality of electric power sources, to an electric load. The electric power system may contain an energy storage unit and generator assembly. The electric power system may connect to a power grid and renewable energy sources, and may charge the energy storage unit using the power grid, renewable energy sources, and/or generator assembly. The electric power system may be configured to determine load power usage and environmental factors to automatically and continuously modify a charging protocol to, for example, provide high efficiency and/or self-sufficiency from the power grid. The electric power system may operate entirely off-grid and may provide electricity to the load without interruption to power.