Generator Load Sharing Controller for Marine Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine and isolated power systems face challenges in efficiently allocating load sharing between constant speed and variable speed generator sets, with constant speed sets being less efficient and variable speed sets being slow to respond to transient loads.
Innovation Solution
A power system that includes both constant speed and variable speed generator sets, with a controller that determines maximum torque capabilities, operating power demands, and anticipated transient demands to allocate electrical power responses, controlling fuel flow and speed to optimize load sharing and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant speed generator sets are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but efficiency under certain operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between constant speed and variable speed generator sets based on operating conditions. The controller monitors system state and automatically selects the appropriate generator type, allowing the system to adapt its speed characteristics rather than being fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity through automated control while achieving variable speed efficiency when needed.
2Loss of energy
If variable speed generator sets are used, then efficiency under varying loads is improved, but response time to transient loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The generator system is segmented into two distinct types: constant speed generator sets for rapid transient response and variable speed generator sets for efficient steady-state operation. The controller divides the load sharing between these segments based on system needs, assigning transient response tasks to constant speed units and efficiency-optimized operation to variable speed units. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by having each segment specialize in its strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller anticipates transient load conditions and pre-positiones the constant speed generator sets in standby or partial-load mode, ready to immediately pick up transient loads when they occur. This preliminary preparation ensures that when transients occur, the constant speed generators can respond instantly without waiting for variable speed generators to adjust, thus resolving the response time issue while maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If load sharing is optimized for efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but responsiveness to transient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements continuous feedback monitoring of system load conditions, generator performance, and transient events. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts load sharing between constant speed and variable speed generator sets. During steady-state operation, load is optimized for efficiency; during transients, the feedback triggers immediate reallocation to constant speed generators. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by continuously adapting to maintain both efficiency and responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for allocating power generation between a constant speed generator set and a variable speed generator set. A controller determines an operating power demand from on-line consumers, and determines an anticipated transient power demand from a new consumer or one with an increasing power demand. The controller allocates the electrical power response between the generator sets to meet both the operating power demand prior to a transient condition and the total power demand upon the occurrence of the transient condition. The allocation may be based upon operating modes of the system.