Power Generator Curtailment Control Outside Excluded Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical systems with multiple power generators face inefficiencies and delayed ramp-up when operating at reduced levels due to curtailment, leading to longer recovery times when demand increases, as existing control methods fail to optimize power production outside excluded zones of operation.
Innovation Solution
A system-level controller receives demand signals from the electrical grid and generates power production commands for power generators to operate outside excluded zones, ensuring efficient and responsive power output by avoiding inefficient operating levels and lagging response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power generators are operated at reduced levels due to curtailment, then power production can be adjusted to match grid demand, but the system operates inefficiently and experiences longer ramp-up times when curtailment is released
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by defining excluded zones of operation and preventing the power generator from operating within these zones. The controller adjusts the power output to remain outside the excluded zone boundaries, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while still allowing flexible power production adjustments to match grid demand.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power generators are operated at reduced levels due to curtailment, then power production can be adjusted to match grid demand, but the system experiences longer ramp-up times when coming back online
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by preventing the power generator from entering excluded zones of operation during curtailment. By maintaining operation outside these zones, the generator is already positioned in a state that enables faster ramp-up when curtailment is released, thus reducing the time loss when coming back to full power production.
3Productivity
If power generators avoid excluded zones of operation, then operational efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements parameter changes by monitoring the power generator's operating point and adjusting the power output command to remain outside the excluded zone boundaries. This approach maintains operational efficiency while managing control complexity through a straightforward boundary-based control strategy rather than complex optimization algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems connected to an electrical grid for delivering electrical power thereto and methods of controlling such systems are provided. The electrical system includes a plurality of power generators. A system-level controller receives a demand signal from the electrical grid. The system-level controller generates first and second power production commands for respective first and second power generators. The first power production command is based on an excluded zone of operation for the first power generator. The first and second power production commands are transmitted to the plurality of power generators so as to control a power output of the first power generator according to the first power production command and to control a power output of the second power generator according to the second power production command. The power output of the first power generator is outside of the excluded zone of operation for the first power generator.