Generator Runback Control for Power System Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation and distribution systems face instability and over-shedding issues when power generation exceeds load thresholds, often relying on single generators for runback, which can lead to disruptions and wear due to frequent use, and may result in severe blackouts if the primary controller fails.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that groups generators into unique sets to allow for proportional runback and simultaneous shedding, using intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) with controllers and breakers to manage power reduction, ensuring that multiple generators can handle runback requests and approximate target shedding amounts, thereby enhancing system survivability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single generator is used for runback operations, then the system can respond quickly to power imbalance, but the generator experiences excessive wear and the system becomes vulnerable to controller failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the runback operation into multiple segments by selecting different generators based on priority lists. Instead of relying on a single generator, the system segments the load reduction task across multiple generators, where each generator can be called upon to perform runback operations based on system needs and generator availability. This segmentation reduces wear on individual generators and maintains system reliability.
2Productivity
If priority-based generator shedding is used, then the system can quickly reduce power output, but over-shedding occurs leading to severe blackouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the actual power output after shedding operations and compares it against the target power level. If over-shedding occurs, the system provides feedback to restore power from lower-priority generators. This closed-loop feedback prevents severe blackouts while maintaining the ability to quickly reduce power when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If proportional runback is applied to all generators simultaneously, then the system can distribute load evenly, but generators cannot complete back-to-back runback requests due to settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic timing control where the system waits for generators to complete their settling time before initiating subsequent runback requests. The timing of runback operations is dynamically adjusted based on generator response characteristics and system conditions, allowing back-to-back operations to be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously. This dynamic approach maintains load distribution evenness while enabling continuous power balance correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for managing an electric power delivery system. The systems and methods may limit generated power of the power delivery system from surpassing a load demand, in order to avoid system instability. The systems and methods may receive an excess generation value and manage generators to runback and/or shed to maintain excess generation below a threshold. The systems and methods may determine a plurality of generator groups for runback. The runback capacity of the generators may be compared against the excess generation. If the excess generation is not greater than the runback capacity, the systems and methods may select generator groups until the runback capacity of the selected groups is greater than the excess generation, and may runback those generators according to runback set points. The unselected generators may continue normal operation to be available for another runback request.