Back-up generator and associated electric power systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back-up generators for residential and commercial applications are inefficient, noisy, and lack the capacity to provide prolonged power during grid outages, especially when relying on renewable energy sources, as they often require high storage capacities and cannot synchronize power output with the grid.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated electric power system that includes a generator assembly with a fuel-powered engine, an energy storage pack, and a system inverter, which synchronizes AC power output with the grid frequency, allowing for efficient use of renewable energy and storing excess power for later use, and automatically adjusts charging protocols based on weather forecasts and energy costs.
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 restored, but the system is inefficient and operates only temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (renewable energy systems, grid, and fuel-powered generator) into a single integrated power system. The controller coordinates these sources to work together, using renewables when available, grid power when accessible, and the generator only as a last resort, thereby improving overall operational efficiency while ensuring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power source selection based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors renewable energy availability, grid status, and power demands, continuously optimizing which power source is used. This dynamic adaptation ensures the most efficient operation at all times while maintaining reliable power supply.
2Reliability
If fuel-powered generators are used for back-up power, then uninterrupted power is provided, but noise pollution and environmental emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of fuel-powered generators (noise and emissions) into a benefit by using them only when absolutely necessary. The controller prioritizes clean renewable energy sources and grid power, reserving the generator for situations where no other power source is available. This approach ensures uninterrupted power supply while minimizing noise and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the fuel-powered generator by limiting its runtime and usage frequency through intelligent control. The generator operates only when all other power sources are unavailable, significantly reducing its contribution to noise pollution and environmental emissions while maintaining the reliability of uninterrupted power supply.
3Loss of energy
If renewable energy sources are used to power back-up systems, then environmental efficiency is improved, but the system cannot provide prolonged power during extended outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional power system that can operate in multiple modes: renewable energy-powered mode for normal operation, grid-connected mode for extended periods, and generator-backed mode for prolonged outages. This universality allows the system to maintain environmental efficiency during regular use while having the capability to provide prolonged power when needed by switching to alternative sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing energy in batteries from renewable sources during periods of availability. This stored energy serves as a buffer that can extend power duration during outages before the generator needs to be activated, thereby maintaining environmental efficiency for as long as possible while preparing for prolonged operation scenarios.
4Duration of action of moving object
If high storage capacities are used with renewable energy sources, then prolonged power is provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power storage and generation system into modular components: renewable energy generators, battery storage units, grid connection interfaces, and a fuel-powered generator. This segmentation allows the system to achieve prolonged power duration through coordinated operation of smaller, more manageable components rather than requiring a single large-scale storage system, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between renewable energy sources, battery storage, grid connection, and the fuel-powered generator. This intelligent mediation allows the system to maximize the use of smaller storage capacities by efficiently managing power flow between all sources, achieving prolonged power duration without requiring excessively large battery banks or complex single-source systems.
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 fuel-powered generator usage, while being compact and portable, suitable for off-grid or grid-connected applications, and reducing noise pollution.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel-powered combustion engine connected to a high frequency generator
Implementation Method 2
a heat engine drives a high frequency generator... the generator assembly includes a permanent magnet rotor
Implementation Method 3
an active rectifier configured to: receive the alternating current electricity from the fuel-powered generator; provide active rectification of the alternating current electricity; and output direct current electricity
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.