Direct current power plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating and distributing direct current (DC) power face inefficiencies due to the need for conversion from alternating current (AC) power, particularly in centralized power transmission and lack a reliable means to start and control Stirling engines efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system that includes a backplane, microprocessors, half-bridge circuits, power conditioning elements, and sensors to control rotating power generators, enabling efficient production and distribution of DC power by starting a Stirling engine using a small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, converting AC to DC, and managing power flow to prevent overcurrent and fault conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Stirling engine is used to generate DC power, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the system lacks a reliable means to start and control the engine efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a dedicated starting system that operates before the main power generation mode. The starting motor and capacitor bank are prepared in advance to reliably start the Stirling engine before it enters normal generation mode, ensuring the engine can be reliably initiated without requiring complex control during the starting phase itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a separate starting system (starting motor, capacitor bank, control circuitry) that mediates between the power source and the Stirling engine. This intermediary system handles the complex starting and control functions, allowing the main power generation system to operate efficiently while reliability is maintained through dedicated starting and control components.
2Loss of energy
If AC to DC conversion is implemented, then DC power distribution efficiency is improved, but conversion losses and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC to DC conversion function into a dedicated power conversion system separate from the Stirling engine itself. By taking out the conversion function into a distinct module with controlled rectification and regulation stages, the system achieves efficient DC power distribution while managing complexity through functional separation and modular design.
3Reliability
If a capacitor bank is used to supplement power supply during starting, then starting reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank is charged in advance during normal operation or before starting, storing energy that is then discharged to supplement the power supply during the critical starting phase. This preliminary charging action ensures reliable starting without requiring complex real-time power management during the starting process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank operates in periodic cycles - charging during normal operation phases and discharging during starting phases. This periodic charge-discharge action provides supplemental power exactly when needed for reliable starting while keeping the system simple through natural cyclic operation rather than complex continuous control.
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 effectively produces and manages DC power for loads, reducing emissions and ensuring reliable operation by controlling the Stirling engine's velocity and disconnecting power during abnormal conditions, enhancing efficiency and safety in DC power generation and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
starting a Stirling engine using a small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank
Implementation Method 2
converting AC to DC
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.