Electrolyzer Rectifier Control for Instantaneous Grid Reserve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy sources and energy storage systems lack the capability to provide instantaneous reserve due to the absence of large rotating masses, posing a challenge for integrating large electrolyzers into existing electrical grids.
Innovation Solution
A power system architecture that includes a DC current control circuit with droop control, allowing direct transmission of active power data from the energy source to rectifier units, enabling instantaneous alignment of reference DC current with frequency, thereby triggering rectifier units for almost instantaneous reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renewable energy sources and energy storage systems are used to replace conventional thermal power plants, then environmental sustainability and energy transition are improved, but the capability to provide instantaneous reserve deteriorates due to lack of rotating masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mass system of conventional thermal power plants with an electronic control system. The DC current control circuit with droop control directly transmits active power data from the energy source to determine firing pulses, substituting the mechanical inertia-based frequency regulation with an electronic control mechanism that achieves instantaneous reserve capability without requiring rotating masses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC current control circuit with droop control as an intermediary between the renewable energy source and the grid. This control circuit processes active power data and generates firing pulses for rectifier units, acting as a mediator that enables renewable energy sources to provide instantaneous reserve capability that would otherwise require mechanical rotating masses.
2Productivity
If large electrolyzers are integrated into existing electrical grids, then hydrogen production capacity is improved, but the requirement for instantaneous reserve creates technical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the DC current control circuit continuously receives active power data from the energy source and adjusts firing pulses accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond instantaneously to grid conditions, allowing large electrolyzers to be integrated into existing grids while meeting instantaneous reserve requirements through real-time power adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the droop control mechanism in the DC current control circuit. This dynamic system continuously adapts the firing pulses based on active power data, enabling the electrolyzer system to provide instantaneous reserve capability while maintaining high hydrogen production capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional thermal power plants are replaced by renewable energy sources, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the intrinsic undelayed power reserve of rotating masses is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mass system of conventional thermal power plants with an electronic control system. The DC current control circuit with droop control directly transmits active power data from the energy source to determine firing pulses, substituting the mechanical inertia-based frequency regulation with an electronic control mechanism that achieves instantaneous reserve capability without requiring rotating masses.
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 achieves instantaneous reserve capabilities, synchronizing power supply with the grid almost instantaneously, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and electrolyzers into existing grids.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier unit connected to the transformer unit at an AC side and operable to convert the alternating current electrical power to a direct current (DC) electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a transformer unit connected to the bus and operable to transform the alternating current electrical power from a voltage input to a voltage output
Data Source
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AI summary
A power system (100) includes a bus (104) connected to an energy source (102) to transfer an alternating current electrical power from the energy source (102), a transformer unit (112) connected to the bus (104) to transform the alternating current electrical power from a voltage input to a voltage output, a rectifier unit (114) connected to the transformer unit (112) to convert the alternating current electrical power to a direct current electrical power, an electrical load (120) connected to the rectifier unit (114) to consume the direct current electrical power, a DC current control circuit (206) connected to the rectifier unit (114) to determine a firing pulse to the rectifier unit (114) to control the direct current electrical power provided to the electrical load (120), and an energy source data connection (210) connecting the DC current control circuit (206) to the energy source (102) to directly transmit an active power data from the energy source (102) to the DC current control circuit (206) to determine the firing pulse.