DC Power Plant with Modular Start-Up and Current Flow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating and distributing DC power face inefficiencies due to the need for conversion from AC power, lack of efficient means to start up engines, and inadequate control of current flow during abnormal conditions, leading to operational challenges and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system with a backplane, housing, and data connection port, incorporating DC buses, microprocessors, and power conditioning elements, which includes methods for starting engines using small power supplies and capacitors, controlling DC bus voltage, and managing current flow to ensure efficient and reliable DC power production and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If AC power is used for DC appliances, then power can be supplied from the grid, but conversion from AC to DC is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting AC power to DC power for DC appliances, the invention inverts the approach by generating DC power directly at the source through fuel cell stacks and DC generators, eliminating the need for AC-to-DC conversion and associated power losses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional AC generation and conversion system with a direct DC generation system using fuel cells and DC generators, substituting the mechanical/electrical AC conversion process with a direct electrochemical to electrical DC energy conversion process
2Power
If large generating plants are used, then power can be generated at high voltage, but operational overhead and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the centralized large-scale power generation into distributed modular units (fuel cell stacks, DC generators, battery storage) that can be deployed at local levels, reducing operational overhead and security vulnerabilities associated with centralized plants while maintaining high voltage capability through modular stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of power generation from centralized AC at transmission voltages to distributed DC at controllable voltages, enabling flexible voltage levels from low to high through modular configuration while improving reliability through distribution
3Reliability
If engine start-up circuits are continuously powered, then engines can be started reliably, but power consumption increases during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-charging battery banks during operation to provide the necessary power for engine start-up when needed, rather than continuously powering start-up circuits, thus ensuring start-up reliability while minimizing ongoing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the DC power plant's own generated power to charge battery banks that subsequently provide start-up power, creating a self-sustaining power management system that reduces external power requirements
4Loss of energy
If DC power is generated locally, then conversion losses are reduced, but new technology implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies universality by designing a multi-functional DC power plant that can operate in multiple modes (fuel cell generation, wind generation, solar generation, battery storage, DC-AC conversion) through a single integrated platform, reducing implementation complexity compared to separate systems for each function
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
The system provides efficient DC power generation and distribution, minimizing inefficiencies and operational risks by enabling controlled start-up, managing current flow, and reducing emissions, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell stack of the phosphoric acid type or other high temperature fuel cell stacks... converting the AC current to the DC power
Implementation Method 2
DC generators, and/or solar photovoltaic modules... providing mechanical drive to a DC generator
Implementation Method 3
solar photovoltaic modules... converting the AC current to the DC power
Implementation Method 4
starting an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank
Data Source
AI summary
A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.