Generator Controller Selective Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems disconnect all components and branches of a facility when a fault condition occurs, leading to inefficiencies, production losses, and increased operating costs, as they fail to isolate the fault condition to specific components or branches, and require costly specialized detectors and controllers.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a generator controller that selectively activates load interruption devices to isolate fault conditions, determining if activation of these devices isolates the fault, and activating a generator interruption device only when load interruption devices fail to do so, thereby minimizing downtime and maintaining critical loads operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all breakers are tripped to isolate fault conditions, then fault isolation is achieved, but unnecessary shutdown of critical components occurs and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fault isolation process by implementing a hierarchical breaker tripping sequence. Instead of tripping all breakers simultaneously, the controller selectively trips breakers in a predetermined sequence (generator breaker first, then individual load breakers), allowing progressive isolation of fault conditions while maintaining power to non-affected critical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts breaker tripping decisions based on real-time fault detection and classification. The controller evaluates fault characteristics and dynamically determines which breakers to trip, rather than using a static all-or-nothing approach. This enables adaptive fault isolation that preserves critical load operation.
2Reliability
If all breakers are tripped for fault isolation, then complete fault containment is achieved, but time and labor for resetting each breaker increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the fault isolation function from the manual breaker resetting process. The controller automatically identifies which breakers tripped due to faults and manages the resetting sequence, removing the need for manual inspection and resetting of each individual breaker by facility personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback monitoring of breaker states and fault conditions. After tripping breakers, the system continuously monitors for fault resolution and automatically initiates breaker resetting when appropriate, creating a closed-loop system that reduces manual intervention time.
3Measurement precision
If specialized detectors and controllers are used for fault isolation, then fault detection precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the fault detection system and the breaker tripping/control system. Rather than using separate specialized detectors and controllers, this single integrated controller performs multiple functions, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate fault detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing breaker trip signals and basic electrical parameters to detect and locate faults, rather than requiring additional specialized detection equipment. The controller analyzes readily available electrical data to identify fault conditions, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system is disclosed. The power distribution system may have a generator, a first load interruption device associated with the generator, and a load powered by the generator. The power distribution system may also have a second load interruption device associated with the load, and a generator controller. The generator controller may be configured to control the generator, determine existence of a fault condition associated with electric service between the generator and the load, and selectively activate the second load interruption device based on the determination. The generator controller may be further configured to determine if activation of the second load interruption device isolated the fault condition, and selectively activate the first load interruption device when activation of the second load interruption device fails to isolate the fault condition.