Dual DC Bus Power Control for Stable Renewable-Hydrogen Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power control systems using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, face challenges in stabilizing power supply while minimizing power loss due to variations in weather, season, and consumption patterns.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electric power control system includes an electric power generation mechanism using renewable energy, a dual DC bus line system with a DC/DC converter to adjust voltage levels, a power generation apparatus (fuel cell), and a power generation fuel generation apparatus (water electrolysis device) connected to the second DC bus line, along with a control device that manages the operation of these components based on voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two DC/DC converters are used to connect the water electrolysis device and fuel cell to the DC bus line due to voltage specification differences, then the voltage compatibility between devices is improved, but the power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water electrolysis device and fuel cell into a single voltage domain by connecting them in parallel to the second DC bus line (48V), eliminating the need for separate DC/DC converters for each device. This consolidation reduces the number of conversion stages from two to one, thereby minimizing power loss while maintaining voltage compatibility through the single DC/DC converter (110) that interfaces with the first DC bus line (400V).
Solution Approach 2:
The second DC bus line (48V) serves as a universal voltage platform that can accommodate both the water electrolysis device and fuel cell, which have similar voltage specifications. This multi-functional bus line design allows different power generation and fuel processing devices to operate at the same voltage level, enabling direct parallel connection without additional conversion equipment.
2Productivity
If renewable energy sources are used for power generation, then the sustainability and environmental friendliness are improved, but the power supply stability deteriorates due to weather and seasonal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and stores excess electrical energy from renewable sources by converting it into chemical energy through water electrolysis, producing hydrogen fuel. When renewable energy generation is insufficient due to weather or seasonal variations, the stored hydrogen is converted back to electricity through the fuel cell, thereby recovering energy and maintaining power supply stability without compromising sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen serves as an intermediary energy carrier between renewable energy sources and the electrical load. The water electrolysis device converts excess electricity into hydrogen, which is then stored and later converted back to electricity by the fuel cell when needed. This intermediary mechanism buffers the variability of renewable energy generation, ensuring stable power supply while maintaining the sustainability benefits of renewable sources.
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
This system effectively stabilizes power supply while reducing power loss by optimizing voltage conversion and managing the operation of power generation and fuel generation devices, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy-based power systems.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter connected to the first DC bus line and capable of converting the first voltage into a second voltage lower than the first voltage
Implementation Method 2
a power generation fuel generation apparatus electrically connected to the second DC bus line and connected to the power generation apparatus, which is configured to generate fuel for use in power generation in the power generation apparatus
Implementation Method 3
the power generation apparatus may be a fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
The electric power control system includes an electric power generation mechanism using renewable energy, a first DC bus line connected to the electric power generation mechanism and corresponding to a first voltage, a DC/DC converter connected to the first DC bus line and capable of converting the first voltage into a second voltage lower than the first voltage, a second DC bus line connected to the DC/DC converter and corresponding to the second voltage, a power generation apparatus electrically connected to the second DC bus line, and a power generation fuel generation apparatus electrically connected to the second DC bus line and connected to the power generation apparatus to generate fuel for use in power generation in the power generation apparatus.