Generator Set Phase Control for Faster Grid Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing generator set synchronization methods with power grids are inefficient, often taking up to 15 seconds or longer, wasting valuable time and reducing customer profitability due to the slow speed control of internal combustion engines, particularly in synchronous generator systems.
Innovation Solution
Implement a phase control mode in the generator set operation, using a phase regulator to adjust the engine phase based on the phase difference between generator and grid voltage phases, facilitated by a combustion control variable, to synchronize the generator voltage with the grid voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If speed control mode is used to synchronize generator voltage with grid voltage, then the generator set can achieve synchronization, but the synchronization time is excessively long (up to 15 seconds or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from engine speed to engine phase angle. By directly controlling the phase angle of the engine (via injection timing or ignition timing) rather than adjusting engine speed, the system can rapidly synchronize the generator voltage phase with the grid voltage phase, reducing synchronization time from 15+ seconds to a much shorter duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical speed control system with an electronic phase control system. Instead of using mechanical means to adjust engine speed for synchronization, the system uses electronic control of combustion timing (injection or ignition phase) to directly control the electrical output phase, enabling faster and more precise synchronization.
2Reliability
If conventional speed control methods are used, then the generator can be synchronized with the grid, but customer profitability is reduced due to wasted time
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from speed control to phase angle control, the system maintains reliable synchronization (matching voltage phase with grid) while dramatically reducing the time required. This enables faster deployment and utilization of generator sets, improving customer profitability by reducing idle time and getting the system productive sooner.
3Measurement precision
If engine speed is adjusted for synchronization, then generator voltage frequency can be matched, but the process is too slow for modern energy supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlled parameter from engine speed (which affects frequency) to engine phase angle (which directly affects voltage phase). This allows precise phase matching to be achieved much faster, as phase angle can be adjusted independently and rapidly through combustion timing control, without being constrained by the inertia of engine speed changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a generator set includes: operating the generator set in synchronized manner to a power grid, which includes: synchronizing a generator voltage with a grid voltage; matching a generator voltage frequency and/or a generator voltage phase with a grid frequency and/or a grid voltage phase; operating generator set in synchronization mode to synchronize the generator voltage phase with the grid voltage phase; operating an engine in a phase control mode with adjustment of an engine phase to change the generator voltage phase; transmitting the grid voltage phase to a phase regulator; regulating, by the phase regulator, the engine phase to a phase difference, which is created by a difference between the generator voltage phase and the grid voltage phase; and setting a phase parameter formed as the combustion control variable for torque-forming combustion setting of the engine, to adjust the engine phase subject to the phase difference.