Facility Power Control With Load Shedding for Runtime Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, face challenges in maintaining continuous power supply due to grid failures, as they rely on generators with limited fuel capacity and energy storage devices that deplete over time, necessitating efficient runtime extension strategies.
Innovation Solution
A system that calculates and optimizes the runtime of generators and energy storage devices by analyzing load distribution, selectively shedding non-essential loads, and using real-time feedback to maximize operation time during outages, allowing for remote control and prioritization of critical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator operates continuously to supply power during grid failures, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases and runtime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating estimated runtime before the generator actually operates, using current fuel levels and load conditions to predict how long the generator can sustain power supply, allowing operators to plan and optimize fuel usage in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring fuel consumption rates and comparing actual runtime against estimated runtime, then adjusting runtime calculations and alerts based on this feedback to optimize generator operation and extend effective runtime
2Duration of action of moving object
If the energy storage device is used to extend runtime, then the duration of power supply is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the generator and energy storage device into a coordinated power supply system where the energy storage device extends the effective runtime of the generator, combining two power sources to achieve longer operational duration than either could provide alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates estimated runtime considering both generator fuel capacity and energy storage device capacity before operation begins, allowing operators to understand the extended runtime capability in advance and optimize the configuration
3Duration of action of moving object
If load shedding is performed to extend runtime, then the generator runtime is improved, but the power supply quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial load shedding by selectively reducing non-critical loads rather than shutting down the entire system, extending generator runtime by operating at reduced capacity while maintaining essential power supply quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality levels to different loads by prioritizing critical loads and shedding non-critical loads, ensuring that essential facilities maintain high power supply quality while extending overall runtime through selective load management
4Measurement precision
If the system monitors and calculates runtime in real-time, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring fuel consumption rates and comparing actual runtime against estimated runtime, then adjusting runtime calculations based on this feedback to maintain high measurement precision without requiring overly complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating estimated runtime and comparing it with actual runtime without requiring external intervention, using its own monitoring data to maintain precise runtime measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling power in a facility having an electrical system including an energy storage device and a generator and an associated fuel tank. The fuel tank provides fuel to the generator and has a gauge indicating remaining fuel. Both the energy storage device and the generator operate. The generator may be used to provide power to the facility, the energy storage device, or both simultaneously. A first power consuming device imposes a first load connected to the electrical system and second power consuming device imposes a second load connected to the electrical system. The system receives information related to the loads and calculates an initial estimated run time of the energy storage device, and information related to the first load and information related to the second load. The system selectively removes the second load in a simulation and calculates a second run time of the energy storage device.