Dockable Emulator Circuit Board for Rapid Power Grid Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling electrical power grids are time-consuming and require numerous individual components, making it inefficient for academic or testing environments, especially when trying to emulate various generators and loads within a power grid system.
Innovation Solution
An electrical emulator system comprising an emulator circuit board with an inverter and processor, connected to a docking station, which allows for the emulation of power grid components in a compact and reconfigurable manner, reducing the number of parts needed and enabling efficient modeling and testing of electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional testbed modeling with individual physical components is used, then hands-on learning is provided, but the modeling process becomes time-consuming and requires numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a centralized computer to create virtual copies of power grid components (generators, loads, transmission lines) that can be manipulated in software, providing hands-on learning experience without the time-consuming assembly and disassembly of physical components. The virtual model replicates the behavior of actual components for educational purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized computer system serves multiple functions: it models various power grid components, simulates different operating conditions, and provides educational interfaces all through a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized physical components for different modeling scenarios.
2Reliability
If traditional testbed modeling with individual physical components is used, then physical modeling is achieved, but the system requires a number of different individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual component models into a single centralized computer system that runs comprehensive power grid simulation software. This integration maintains the accuracy of physical modeling while eliminating the need for numerous separate physical components, as all interactions are simulated through software algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized powerful computer is used for control emulation, then component emulation is achieved, but the system requires centralized control across all components
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized computer acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of controlling multiple emulated components. It provides a unified interface and coordination mechanism that simplifies the control structure, allowing versatile component emulation without requiring direct complex interconnections between all individual components.
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 enables rapid and efficient emulation of power grid components, allowing for the modeling of complex systems in a reduced physical space, facilitating hands-on learning and testing while minimizing the number of required components, thus improving the efficiency of power grid modeling and testing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The emulator circuit board includes an inverter mounted to the emulator circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical emulator system includes an emulator assembly comprising an emulator circuit board for emulating a component forming part of a modeled electrical system. The emulator circuit board includes an inverter mounted to the emulator circuit board, a set of input terminals electrically connected to the inverter, a set of output terminals electrically connected to the inverter and a processor electrically connected to the inverter and configured to control the inverter so as to provide emulation of a component of the modeled electrical system. A docking station includes a set of docking terminals for emulated line power. The docking station comprises guides to receive the emulator circuit board and align the set of input terminals and the set of output terminals to selected docking terminals of the set of docking terminals.