Generator Grid Synchronization via Ignition Timing Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synchronizing generators with power supply networks are lengthy, leading to increased emissions and noise pollution due to unburned fuel-air mixtures and misfires, particularly in turbocharged combustion engines.

Innovation Solution

Temporarily adjusting the ignition timing of at least one cylinder unit of the internal combustion engine to quickly reduce the phase angle difference between the generator and the grid, allowing for precise control of engine speed without significant frequency deviation, thus preventing emissions and misfires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional synchronization methods (comparing frequency and phase angle) are used, then the generator can be synchronized with the power supply grid, but large switching transients occur during synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidswitching transients
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control unit as an intermediary between the generator and the power supply grid. This control unit continuously monitors frequency, phase angle, and voltage, and automatically adjusts the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine to minimize the phase angle difference before closing the circuit breaker, thereby eliminating large switching transients while ensuring reliable synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurements and adjustments before the actual synchronization operation. The control unit measures the frequency and phase angle difference in advance, and pre-adjusts the ignition timing to optimize the phase angle alignment before the circuit breaker closes, preventing harmful transients from occurring during the synchronization process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent synchronization operations are performed, then the generator can adapt to varying power supply conditions, but the lifetime of the circuit breaker decreases due to increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization adaptabilityVSAvoidcircuit breaker lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary optimization of the synchronization process by continuously monitoring frequency and phase angle, and making pre-adjustments to ignition timing. This ensures that the circuit breaker only closes when conditions are optimal (minimal phase angle difference), reducing wear and extending the circuit breaker's operational life while maintaining the ability to perform frequent synchronization operations when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If manual synchronization procedures are used, then the system structure can be simple, but the synchronization process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization system complexityVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs all synchronization measurements, calculations, and adjustments without requiring manual intervention. It continuously monitors frequency and phase angle, automatically adjusts the ignition timing, and determines the optimal moment to close the circuit breaker, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring frequency, phase angle, and voltage differences between the generator and the power supply grid. The control unit uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the ignition timing and determine the optimal synchronization moment, enabling fast and accurate automatic synchronization without complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Stability of the object's composition

If ignition timing is not adjusted during synchronization, then the engine operation remains stable, but the phase angle difference cannot be minimized effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine operation stabilityVSAvoidphase angle alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine based on real-time measurements of frequency and phase angle difference. The control unit continuously modifies the ignition advance angle to optimize the phase angle alignment between generator and grid, while maintaining stable engine operation through controlled, gradual adjustments rather than abrupt changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates rapid synchronization of generators with power grids, reducing synchronization time to 2-3 seconds while minimizing emissions and preventing noise pollution, enabling quick response to grid instabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an internal combustion engine (2) to generate a generator speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a generator (3) to generate a generator speed corresponding to a generator frequency generated by the generator (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4056832B1Method for synchronising a generator with a power supply grid
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG
  • EP4056832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056832B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP4056832B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for synchronizing a generator (3) with a mains power supply network (4) having a mains frequency, comprising the following steps: f) Mechanically driving the generator (3) by means of an internal combustion engine (2) to generate a generator speed corresponding to a generator frequency generated by the generator (3) at the given generator speed; g) Regulating or controlling the internal combustion engine (2) such that the generator frequency is within a tolerance range, wherein the mains frequency is also within the tolerance range; h) Detecting a phase angle difference between a current and/or a voltage generated by the generator (3) on the one hand and a mains current and/or voltage on the other; i) Synchronizing the voltage and/or current generated by the generator (3) on the one hand with the mains voltage and/or current on the other by reducing the phase angle difference (Δϕ);j) Electrical connection of the generator (3) to the power supply network (4); wherein, in order to reduce the phase angle difference (Δϕ ), at least a temporary change of an ignition timing of at least one cylinder unit (9) of the internal combustion engine (2) is carried out.;