Generator Control Method for Constant Power Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generator systems using alternative energy sources like wind and tidal power face instability due to varying source speeds, leading to power ripples and increased costs when using energy storage devices or blade angle adjustments, which struggle to respond quickly to speed changes.

Innovation Solution

A control method for multiple generators that sets a reference total power based on root mean square speed, calculates a command value for current output, and adjusts output current to maintain constant power output, using a sensing unit, controller, and current controller to synchronize power generation across generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If energy storage devices are used to output constant power, then power stability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power stabilization function from the physical energy storage device and implements it through control algorithms. The controller calculates individual power commands for each generator based on total power reference and individual speed measurements, eliminating the need for energy storage hardware while achieving the same power stabilization effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical energy storage system with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical devices to store and release energy, the system uses controllers that calculate and adjust power output commands in real-time based on measured speeds and power references, substituting mechanical functionality with computational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If blade angle is changed to reduce ripples, then power stability is improved, but response speed to quick changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where the controller continuously calculates individual power commands based on real-time speed measurements from each generator. This dynamic recalculation and adjustment of power commands allows the system to respond quickly to speed changes without the mechanical inertia associated with blade angle adjustments, maintaining both stability and fast response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical blade angle to electrical power command. By adjusting the power command parameter calculated by the controller rather than changing physical blade angles, the system achieves rapid response to speed changes while maintaining power stability, avoiding the slow mechanical response of blade adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If multiple generators operate independently, then system complexity is reduced, but power output stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower output stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of each generator individually while maintaining coordinated operation. The controller calculates a specific power command for each generator based on its individual speed measurement and the total power reference, allowing each generator to be controlled independently yet contribute to stable total power output, achieving both simplicity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control approach where the same controller handles multiple generators using a consistent methodology. The controller universally applies the power command calculation to each generator based on its speed, providing a multi-functional solution that manages multiple units with a single control system, reducing overall complexity while ensuring stability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2922168B1Control method for a plurality of generators and system
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 KOREA ELECTRONICS TECH INST
  • EP2922168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2922168B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2922168B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a generation system of a generator which provides a generating method for a generator and a system in which power output from the generator is constantly output at a low cost and respond when a speed of a generation source is quickly changed. The present invention includes setting reference total power to be produced from a plurality of generators, calculating a command value of current using the reference total power and a speed sensed from each generators at every moment, and adjusting output current of each of the generators so as that total power output from each generator is close to the reference total power using the calculated command value of current.