Generator Synchronization via Common Time Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing generators in islanded power systems face complexity and practical difficulties due to the need for direct communication links and wiring of multiple signals to a common controller, which can lead to increased complexity and a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of a common time signal distributed to multiple controllers allows them to autonomously synchronize generators to a specified phase angle and frequency without direct communication, reducing the need for a common controller and minimizing wiring complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common controller is used to synchronize multiple generators, then synchronization control can be achieved, but the system complexity and wiring requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed autonomous controllers, one for each generator. Each controller independently performs synchronization decisions based on local measurements and time-stamped data, eliminating the need for a single complex common controller and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common time reference signal as an intermediary that coordinates synchronization across all generators without requiring direct communication between controllers. This time-based mediation simplifies the control architecture by replacing complex inter-controller communication with simple time-stamping and comparison.
2Reliability
If direct communication links are established between controllers for synchronization, then real-time coordination is achieved, but the wiring complexity and single point of failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication requirement from the control system by using a shared time reference infrastructure that all controllers can access independently. This eliminates the need for direct point-to-point communication links between controllers, significantly reducing wiring complexity while maintaining real-time coordination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common time reference signal serves as a universal coordination mechanism that all controllers use simultaneously for synchronization decisions. This multi-functional time signal replaces multiple dedicated communication channels, simplifying the system while enabling real-time coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for using time synchronized measurements of a generator output and an electrical bus, together with generator control algorithms to synchronize the frequency, voltage, and phase of a generator, or group of generators, prior to electrically connecting the generator to the electrical bus. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure pertains to systems that may be operated in an islanded configuration and in which one or more generators may be selectively synchronized based on a common time reference. The common time reference may allow the generators to be synchronized by autonomously driving one or more generators to a specified phase angle and frequency.