Engine Load Sharing Control for Maintenance Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation systems face challenges in evenly distributing load between engines of different ages, capacities, and maintenance costs, leading to uneven wear and tear, increased maintenance costs, and reduced operational integrity due to variable wear rates.
Innovation Solution
A control system that selects engines based on associated criteria such as maintenance cost, load factor, engine age, and response time to distribute the load between engines, ensuring only the selected engine operates under the transient component, thereby optimizing load sharing and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load is distributed evenly between all engines, then operational simplicity is maintained, but wear and tear becomes uneven leading to higher maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different load sharing characteristics to different engines based on their individual attributes. Each engine is configured with specific load sharing parameters (such as transient load participation, ramp rates, and load change thresholds) that are tailored to its age, capacity, and maintenance history, rather than treating all engines uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts load distribution between engines based on real-time operating conditions and engine status. The control system continuously monitors engine parameters and automatically redistributes transient and steady loads to optimize wear patterns, transitioning from static equal load sharing to dynamic adaptive load sharing.
2Power
If all engines operate under transient loads, then power availability is maximized, but maintenance costs increase due to accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total load into transient component and steady component, and further segments the assignment of these components to different engines based on their characteristics. Older or more cost-sensitive engines are assigned primarily steady loads, while newer or more capable engines handle transient loads, creating a segmented approach to load management that balances power availability with maintenance cost reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system strategically allows certain engines (typically older or less critical ones) to accumulate wear from transient operations when economically acceptable, effectively treating them as having shorter service intervals. This enables the system to preserve more expensive engines for longer periods while maintaining overall power availability through the other engines.
3Reliability
If newer engines are used exclusively, then operational integrity is improved, but economic viability decreases due to higher maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (load sharing percentages, transient participation factors, ramp rates) for different engines based on their age and condition. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system extends the effective service life of older engines while maintaining reliable operation, thereby improving economic viability without sacrificing operational integrity.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If load sharing is optimized for maintenance reduction, then engine lifespan is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors engine operating parameters, wear indicators, and performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts load distribution to optimize engine lifespan, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing engine conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment of load sharing parameters based on pre-configured engine characteristics and real-time monitoring data. The system autonomously determines optimal load distribution without requiring external control or complex manual scheduling, thereby extending engine lifespan while keeping the control architecture manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A maintenance optimization control system for load sharing between includes a first engine having an associated first criteria, a second engine having an associated second criteria, and a load having a steady component and a transient component. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the first engine, the second engine and the load. The controller selects an engine from the first engine and the second engine based at least on the first criteria and the second criteria. The controller distributes the load between the first engine and the second engine such that only the selected engine is operated under transient component of the load.