Energy Dissipater Control for Rapid Load Change Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power sources struggle to rapidly respond to changes in load consumption, leading to potential overfeeding of power and risks such as battery degradation or inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An energy dissipater, such as an air compressor, is controlled to balance fluctuating loads by receiving power at a level that compensates for changes in consumer demand, using a processor to determine and adjust power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric power source rapidly increases power output to meet sudden load demands, then the power consumer receives sufficient power, but the electric power source may become unstable or suffer from overcurrent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipater is activated in advance to absorb excess power before the power consumer fully demands it. When load demand suddenly increases, the energy dissipater has already been preparing to transfer power, smoothing the transition and preventing sudden spikes to the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy dissipater acts as an intermediary component between the electric power source and the power consumer. It mediates the power flow by absorbing excess power when the consumer cannot immediately utilize it, thereby protecting the power source from instability while ensuring the consumer receives adequate power.
2Reliability
If the electric power source gradually increases power output to maintain stability, then the electric power source remains stable, but the power consumer may experience power deficiency during rapid load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of power generation, power consumption, and energy dissipation into a coordinated system. The energy dissipater works in conjunction with the power source and consumer, combining their operations to achieve both stability and adequate power delivery through cooperative power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors power demand and supply conditions, providing feedback to adjust the energy dissipater's operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the power source maintains stability while the energy dissipater compensates for any power deficiencies experienced by the consumer during load transitions.
3Reliability
If a large battery capacity is used to buffer power fluctuations, then power supply stability is improved, but the system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy buffering function from the battery system and relocates it to the energy dissipater component. This separation allows the battery to be smaller since it only needs to handle average power demands, while the energy dissipater handles the fluctuation buffering, thereby reducing overall system mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy dissipater serves as an intermediary that reduces the burden on the battery. By absorbing excess power and providing supplemental power during transitions, it mediates the power flow requirements, allowing the battery to be downsized while maintaining power supply stability.
4Productivity
If the battery frequently adjusts charge/discharge cycles to match load changes, then power demand is met, but battery degradation accelerates and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipater converts what would be harmful frequent battery cycling into a beneficial operation. Excess power that would otherwise require rapid battery response is instead directed to the energy dissipater, transforming a potentially damaging scenario into an opportunity to extend battery life while still meeting power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy dissipater acts as a protective intermediary between power load changes and the battery. It absorbs the stress of frequent power adjustments, shielding the battery from damaging cycling operations while ensuring power consumer demands are still met through coordinated power management.
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 approach stabilizes power supply, reduces the need for rapid battery adjustments, and extends battery life while optimizing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor operable by electric power from the electric power source to pressurize a flow of air
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an electric power system, the method comprising determining, by a processor device of a computer system, a change in power consumption of a power consumer from a first power level to a second power level; and controlling, in response to determining the change in power consumption, an energy dissipater to receive electric power from an electric power source at a third power level, the third power level being a difference between the first power level and the second power level.