Distributed Power Generation System Balancing Output and Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple distributed power sources are connected and operated, uneven output and lifespan occur due to varying efficiencies, leading to reduced overall system efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system that includes multiple power generation apparatuses, each with a controller that shares degradation or efficiency information to adjust output based on a reference table, prioritizing less degraded or high-efficiency units to extend overall system lifespan and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output of each distributed power source is adjusted individually, then the power consumption of devices can be controlled, but the operation becomes uneven causing some power sources to degrade faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple distributed power sources into a unified system where a central controller manages all power sources collectively. Instead of adjusting each power source independently, the system evaluates the operational status, efficiency, and lifespan of all power sources and distributes workload accordingly, ensuring balanced operation and extended system lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the operational status, efficiency, and lifespan indicators of each distributed power source. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the output distribution to prevent any single power source from being overutilized, thereby maintaining balanced operation and extending overall system lifespan.
2Power
If distributed power sources operate at high output to meet power demand, then power supply is sufficient, but power generation efficiency becomes uneven across units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational roles and output levels to different distributed power sources based on their individual characteristics. The controller evaluates each power source's efficiency and operational status, then optimizes the output of each unit individually rather than treating all units uniformly, thereby maximizing overall power generation efficiency while meeting total power demand.
3Power
If some distributed power sources are prioritized to operate at high output, then immediate power demand is met, but the overall system lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic workload distribution where the operational status of each distributed power source is continuously evaluated and adjusted. The controller dynamically reallocates power generation tasks based on real-time efficiency metrics and lifespan indicators, ensuring that no single power source is consistently overutilized. This dynamic balancing act maintains sufficient immediate power output while extending the overall system lifespan.
Data Source
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AI summary
This power generation apparatus, power generation system, and power generation method advantageously control distributed power sources as a whole. A power generation apparatus includes a power generator that connects to a grid and generates power to supply to a load and includes a controller that controls output of power generated by the power generator. The controller performs control, when the total output of power generated by the power generation apparatus and other power generation apparatuses connected thereto exceeds the power consumption of the load, to adjust output of power generated by the power generation apparatus and the other power generation apparatuses based on at least one of information indicating the power generation efficiency and information indicating the degree of degradation of the power generation apparatus and the other power generation apparatuses.