Diesel Generator Battery Boost Circuit for Transient Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel generator systems face challenges in responding quickly to transient power changes, leading to potential engine stalling, voltage collapse, and inefficiencies due to mechanical limitations, often requiring oversized generators and secondary backup systems that are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A quick response load adjustment regulation circuit using solid state electronic components that transfers stored electrical power from starting batteries to the power inverter during increased load conditions, stepping up the voltage to support the diesel generator until it can adjust to the new load, thereby reducing mechanical stress and the need for oversized systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a diesel generator system is used to provide electrical power, then steady state power generation efficiency is improved, but transient response capability deteriorates due to mechanical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A solid state power conversion system acts as an intermediary between the diesel generator and the electrical load. The system includes a rectifier converting generator AC output to DC, energy storage capacitors storing energy, and an inverter converting DC back to AC to match load requirements. This intermediary power conversion chain enables rapid transient response independent of the mechanical generator speed, resolving the contradiction between steady state efficiency and transient response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is pre-stored in capacitors during normal operation at a higher voltage level than immediately required by the load. When a transient load increase occurs, the stored energy is rapidly discharged through the inverter to meet the sudden demand before the mechanical generator can physically respond. This preliminary energy storage action eliminates the transient response delay caused by mechanical inertia.
2Speed
If the generator size is increased to handle transient load changes, then transient response capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a base diesel generator for steady state power, a rectifier for AC-to-DC conversion, energy storage capacitors for transient energy buffer, and an inverter for DC-to-AC conversion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling transient response capability without requiring the entire generator system to be oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between power sources based on load conditions. During steady state operation, the diesel generator supplies power directly. During transient events, the control system rapidly activates the capacitor discharge path through the inverter to supplement or replace generator output. This dynamic operation allows a smaller generator to handle variable loads effectively, reducing overall system complexity compared to a permanently oversized generator.
3Reliability
If a secondary backup power system is added to handle transient power changes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid state power conversion system serves multiple functions: it enables rapid transient response to load changes, provides power quality conditioning through rectification and inversion, and acts as a backup power source during generator instability. The same capacitors and inverter that enable transient response also provide backup capability, eliminating the need for separate backup systems and reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.
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 solution allows for efficient management of transient power changes, reducing the risk of engine stalling and inefficiencies, minimizing the need for costly backup systems, and optimizing generator performance by using stored energy from starting batteries to stabilize power output.
Implementation Method 1
A durable generator system includes a solid state transient power response system that provides supplemental electrical power to a power output during a transient period of increased electrical load
Implementation Method 2
A quick response load adjustment regulation circuit using solid state electronic components that transfers stored electrical power from starting batteries to the power inverter during increased load conditions, stepping up the voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are improved devices, systems and methods for powered generator systems which incorporate a solid-state transient power response system to provide supplemental electrical power to the power output during a transient period of increased electrical load, which permits the generator system sufficient time to progressively “spin up” the generator and/or otherwise increase power output at a desired rate to meet the increased electrical load demand in a desired manner.