Generator Loop Control for Partial Power Fault Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional generator sets fail to operate normally when one main circuit fails, leading to significant power generation loss and high maintenance costs, especially in remote locations like at sea, as they require immediate repair to resume electricity production.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for controlling a generator set to operate in partial power mode by switching one circuit to shutdown and maintaining the other circuit in operation, utilizing multi-winding permanent magnet direct-driven motors with independent converter modules, allowing the system to continue generating power even with a faulty circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the generator set operates with a single main circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because failure of one circuit causes complete shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The generator set is divided into multiple independent main circuits (first main circuit and second main circuit), each capable of independent operation. When one circuit fails, the other can continue to operate, ensuring system reliability without requiring complete shutdown for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the generator set shuts down for repair when a main circuit fails, then the reliability is improved by fixing the fault, but the productivity deteriorates due to power generation loss and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault resolutionVSAvoidpower generation output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous power generation by switching to the healthy main circuit when one circuit fails. The useful action of electricity generation continues uninterrupted, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity while fault repair is prepared.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the generator set operates in partial power mode with one faulty circuit, then the productivity is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to continued operation with degraded components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation outputVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The faulty main circuit is extracted from the operational system and isolated through shutdown. The healthy circuit continues to operate independently, separating the problematic component from the functional system to maintain reliability while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3734832B1Method, device, and system for controlling operation of generator
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 BEIJING GOLDWIND SCI & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3734832B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3734832B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3734832B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method, a device, and system for controlling the operation of a generator, wherein the generator comprises at least two power generation and transmission loops. The method comprises: upon detecting the failure of any one of the at least two power generation and transmission loops, determining whether a preset condition for entering a partial power operation mode is satisfied; and when it is determined that the preset condition is satisfied, controlling at least one non-malfunctioning power generation and transmission loop of the at least two power generation and transmission loops to enter an operation mode, and controlling the malfunctioning power generation and transmission loop to enter a shutdown state, so that the generator enters the partial power operation mode.