Generator Fault Processing for Ship Power Grids

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power transmission networks in ships and power plants face challenges in load distribution, particularly when data communication faults occur, leading to incorrect load distribution and network disruptions due to reliance on isochronic load distribution methods and digital data buses, which struggle to mimic analogue power transmission networks.

Innovation Solution

A fault situation processing arrangement is implemented, where each generator in the network has two connection routes with switches and a fault situation processing element that monitors data communication and switch statuses, switching to droop control when communication faults occur, and replaces missing status data from adjacent generators to maintain network stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If isochronic load distribution is used with digital data bus, then load distribution accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when data communication faults occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between isochronic load distribution and droop control modes based on data communication status. When communication faults are detected, the system transitions from the precise but vulnerable isochronic method to the more robust droop control method, allowing the control strategy to adapt to changing system conditions and maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter mode from isochronic (frequency-independent load distribution) to droop control (frequency-dependent load distribution) when communication faults occur. This parameter change allows the system to maintain functional operation under faulty conditions by switching to a control mode that does not require reliable data communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If digital data bus is used for load distribution, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when mimicking analogue power transmission networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication accuracyVSAvoidease of mimicking analogue networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a virtual copy of the analogue power transmission network topology within the digital control system. By replicating the analogue network structure and switch states in the digital domain, the system maintains the operational characteristics of analogue networks while benefiting from digital measurement accuracy and processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If switch status monitoring is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fault situation processing element performs multiple functions: it monitors data communication status, tracks switch positions, detects faults, and controls the mode switching between isochronic and droop control. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves improved reliability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2223407B1Fault situation processing arrangement of a load distribution system of a local electric power transmission network
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP2223407B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2223407B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2223407B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A processing arrangement for the fault situation of a local electric power transmission grid comprises a generator-specific element arranged to monitor the fault situation of a data communication bus and the statuses of the switches of the electric power transmission network and to compare the status data concerning the same switch. In case of a fault situation the generators change into droop control only if there are no other possibilities to continue with the normal adjustment of the generator.