Portable Generator Load Balancing via Phase Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote areas, the use of diesel fuel for generators poses safety risks and high costs due to transportation challenges, and existing systems often run generators unloaded or with partial loads, leading to increased maintenance and unbalanced power distribution, which can cause fuel inefficiency and damage.
Innovation Solution
A portable load balancing and source optimization system that includes sensors and a controller to manage multiple generators, allowing for automatic phase balancing, load prioritization, and shedding/restoration, reducing fuel consumption and improving power reliability by intelligently managing generator usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If generators are run unloaded or with partial loads to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but generator reliability deteriorates and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple generators into a coordinated system where they share the total load. Instead of running single generators at partial load, multiple generators work together to provide full load to each, ensuring optimal operating conditions while meeting power demands. This merging approach allows the system to maintain generator reliability through proper loading while achieving fuel efficiency through coordinated operation and load sharing.
2Reliability
If fuel is airlifted or convoyed to remote outposts to power generators, then power supply is ensured, but safety risks and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple local fuel sources at the outpost into a coordinated power generation network. Instead of relying on continuous external fuel delivery, the outpost stores fuel locally and distributes it to multiple generators that work together. This eliminates the need for dangerous fuel convoys while ensuring reliable power supply through distributed generation and load sharing.
3Power
If multiple generators are used to ensure adequate power supply, then power availability improves, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the operational status, load conditions, and performance metrics of each generator. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts load distribution, synchronizes generators, and optimizes fuel consumption. This feedback mechanism simplifies the coordination of multiple generators by providing real-time information and automated control, reducing the complexity of managing a multi-generator system while ensuring adequate power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for portable load balancing and source optimization are described herein. One portable load balancing and source optimization system, includes one or more electric generators that supply three phase electrical power, at least one sensor to sense whether the three phases have become unbalanced beyond a threshold amount, a set of contactors that enable the contacts of the three phases to be changed to adjust the balance of the three phases, and a controller to determine which reversible contactors of the set of contactors to change to adjust that balance of the three phases based on information from the sensor.