Generator Power Limiting Controller for Marine Isolated Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In isolated power systems, such as those found in marine vessels, the sudden addition of loads can exceed the capacity of generator sets, leading to voltage drops and potential circuit breaker tripping, resulting in power outages due to the inability of remaining generators to quickly respond to increased loads.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that monitors and stores operating characteristics of generators and consumers, determines maximum torque capabilities and power demands, and limits power distribution to ensure it does not exceed available electrical responses, preventing overloading and circuit breaker tripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the generator sets are allowed to provide maximum power output, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates due to voltage drops and circuit breaker tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively determines the maximum torque capability of prime movers and the available electrical power response of generators before load additions occur. By pre-calculating these parameters and comparing them with forecasted power demands, the system takes preventive action to avoid voltage drops and circuit breaker tripping, thus maintaining reliability while maximizing power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operating characteristics of prime movers and generators, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power distribution. The controller compares real-time available power with actual or forecasted demand, and adjusts generator output accordingly to prevent overloading, thereby maintaining both high power capacity and system reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the controller limits power to consumers to prevent overloading, then the system stability is improved, but the power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power limitation is not static but dynamic. The controller continuously adjusts the power delivery limits based on real-time operating conditions, including the current torque capability of prime movers and the electrical response capability of generators. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability while maximizing power delivery at each moment, rather than imposing fixed restrictive limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the generators and prime movers to optimize power delivery within stable limits. By adjusting excitation, speed, and torque parameters within safe operating envelopes, the controller enables maximum power delivery while maintaining system stability through continuous parameter optimization rather than simple binary on/off limiting.
3Power
If additional generator sets are added to meet peak demand, then the power capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing generator sets are made to serve multiple functions through advanced control. The same generators that provide base load power are dynamically optimized to provide peak power when needed by adjusting their operating parameters within safe limits. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional standby generators, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate power capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for limiting power to a plurality of on-line consumers includes an operating characteristic sensor associated with each of a plurality of prime movers and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a maximum torque capability of each of the plurality of prime movers, determine the available electrical power response of each of the plurality of generators, determine a total available electrical power response, and determine a total maximum power demand. The controller then compares the total available electrical power response to the total maximum power demand, and upon the total maximum power demand exceeding the total available electrical power response, limits power to the plurality of on-line consumers to no more than the total available electrical power response.