EZA Controller for Multi-Inverter Grid Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardization in protocols used by inverters for data exchange and telecontrol technology in decentralized energy generation systems creates challenges for grid stability and compatibility, particularly when combining different types of energy generation systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for network operators.

Innovation Solution

A modular and flexible EZA controller that generates inverter-specific control signals based on received commands and measured parameters, capable of controlling multiple inverters of different types, using a programmable control module with expansion modules for communication and data processing, allowing for integration with various inverter interfaces and telecontrol signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary inverter control solutions from manufacturers or third-party providers are used, then control functionality is achieved, but universality and adaptability are limited to single inverter brands or types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinverter compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed with a universal control algorithm that can manage multiple inverter types from different manufacturers through a standardized communication interface. The system automatically identifies inverter models and adapts control parameters, enabling a single control device to universally control various inverter types without requiring brand-specific proprietary solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized communication interface acts as an intermediary between the control device and diverse inverter types. This interface layer translates between different inverter protocols and the universal control algorithm, enabling compatibility across different manufacturers while maintaining a consistent control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If additional communication gateways are installed for telecontrol technology, then remote control capability is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telecontrol communication interface is merged directly into the control device, eliminating the need for separate communication gateways. The control device integrates both local inverter control and remote telecontrol functions in a single unit, simplifying the communication infrastructure while maintaining full remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides local inverter control, remote telecontrol communication, and data processing. This universal device replaces multiple separate components including traditional communication gateways, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized control algorithms are implemented, then universality across different inverter types is achieved, but inverter-specific optimization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-inverter controlVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control algorithm is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically adjusting control parameters based on the identified inverter type and operating conditions. The system maintains a universal control structure while dynamically optimizing parameters for each specific inverter model, ensuring both versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor inverter performance and automatically adjust control parameters. This feedback loop ensures that the standardized control algorithm maintains optimal control precision for each inverter type by adapting to actual operating conditions and performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3800755A1Device and method for controlling decentralized power generation plants
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3800755A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3800755A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3800755A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling distributed energy generation plants is presented. The method comprises the following steps: receiving control commands and/or measuring grid parameters; processing the received control commands and/or measured grid parameters; generating control signals in response to the received control commands and/or measured grid parameters to control a first inverter; transmitting the generated control signals to an inverter interface for output to a first inverter; and adjusting plant parameters, particularly the power output, of the distributed energy generation plant by means of the first inverter in response to the control signals received from the inverter interface. Furthermore, an energy generation plant control system and an energy generation plant with an energy generation plant control system for executing the method are presented.