Generator Load Balancing With Switchable Sub-Loads for Biogas Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power generation centers, particularly those using renewable sources like biogas from landfills, face challenges in stability due to variable energy output, leading to inefficiencies and potential waste of methane-rich biogas, as existing systems struggle to manage transient changes in load and power generation, resulting in grid instability and underutilization of natural gas resources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a generator set, power distributor, and controller that dynamically manages sub-loads within a data center or load, using electrical contactors to balance power usage with anticipated generator output, allowing for efficient connection and disconnection of sub-loads to optimize energy use and reduce waste, even with volatile energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If biogas-fueled generators are used to generate electricity, then renewable energy production is achieved, but the variable and irregular biogas pressure causes generator reliability and output consistency to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrical load connected to the generator based on real-time biogas pressure and composition measurements. The controller continuously monitors biogas characteristics and modifies the electrical output demand accordingly, allowing the generator to operate reliably despite variable biogas input conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including electrical load level, generator speed, and combustion air intake based on measured biogas pressure and composition. By adjusting these parameters in response to biogas variability, the system maintains stable and consistent electrical output despite fluctuations in the renewable fuel source.
2Quantity of substance
If landfill gas is used as fuel, then methane-rich energy production is achieved, but the heterogeneous composition of organic constituents causes biogas pressure and characteristics to vary, affecting generator reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous feedback loops where sensors measure biogas pressure, composition, and flow rate, and this information is fed to the controller which adjusts generator operation and electrical load accordingly. This closed-loop control compensates for composition variations and maintains stable power output despite heterogeneous biogas input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and analysis of biogas composition and pressure before the gas reaches the generator. Based on these advance measurements, the controller pre-adjusts operational parameters to optimize combustion and maintain stable generator performance, preventing issues before they occur.
3Power
If existing power generation systems are used, then electricity production is achieved, but the inability to respond to transient load changes causes grid stability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic response capabilities that allow rapid adjustment of electrical load and generator output in response to transient changes in biogas availability or grid conditions. The controller can quickly modify operational parameters to maintain stability during transient events, unlike conventional static systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If biogas pressure is allowed to vary with environmental conditions, then natural biogas production is maintained, but generator reliability and power output consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts natural variations in biogas pressure and composition but compensates by changing operational parameters such as electrical load level, generator speed, and combustion control. This allows the system to maintain natural biogas production processes while ensuring consistent and reliable power output through active parameter adjustment.
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
This solution enhances the stability and efficiency of power usage, reduces the need to flare methane, and enables biogas from landfills to be productively used, improving both system sustainability and grid harmony.
Implementation Method 1
biogas-fueled generators
Implementation Method 2
generator set comprising a first engine and an output terminal coupled to a power distributor
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the disclosed technology involves a system having a generator set comprising a first engine and an output terminal coupled to a power distributor, a load comprising two or more sub-loads, wherein each of the sub-loads are coupled to the power distributor via one or more respective electrical contactors, and a controller communicably coupled to the electrical contactors and the generator set comprising a processor, and a memory, the memory having computer-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor cause operations. The operations may include determining a number of sub-loads available, receiving data representing power generation of the generator set, determining which of the available sub-loads to connect in order to balance the generator set to the load, and controlling the respective electrical contactors of the determined sub-loads so as to provide electricity to the determined sub-loads.