Parallel Genset Synchronization via Source Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generator sets often experience disruptions due to small differences in frequency, phase, and magnitude when synchronizing with power grids or other gensets, leading to over-current issues, and existing solutions rely on a separate master control circuit that introduces complexity and a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where each generator set independently calculates and adjusts speed and voltage offset parameters based on received data, eliminating the need for a separate master synchronizer and allowing for synchronization among multiple gensets without a central control, using communication interfaces and synchronization circuits to match output voltages with grid or utility sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate master control circuit is used to synchronize generator sets, then synchronization control can be achieved, but system complexity increases and a single point of failure is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master control function from each individual generator set and consolidates it into a single master generator set. The master generator set's control circuit receives synchronization requests from multiple slave generator sets, processes them independently, and sends control signals back. This eliminates the need for separate master control circuits in each generator set, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synchronization control functionality into the master generator set's existing control circuit. Instead of having distributed control circuits in each generator set, the control functions are combined and centralized in one location. The master generator set's control circuit handles synchronization for all generator sets by receiving their requests, calculating speed and voltage offsets independently, and issuing control signals, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If generator sets synchronize with small differences in frequency, phase, and magnitude, then load transfer can occur, but over-current issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions before load transfer occurs. The master generator set's control circuit receives synchronization requests from slave generator sets and calculates the required speed and voltage offsets in advance. Control signals are sent to adjust the slave generator sets' operating parameters before they connect to the bus, ensuring frequency, phase, and magnitude are properly aligned. This preliminary adjustment prevents over-current issues during load transfer while maintaining high transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the master generator set's control circuit continuously monitors the synchronization status of slave generator sets. The control circuit receives data about frequency, phase, and magnitude differences, independently calculates appropriate speed and voltage offsets, and sends control signals back to the slave generator sets. This closed-loop feedback ensures that synchronization is achieved with minimal differences, preventing over-current while enabling efficient load transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronization comprises receiving, at a first generator set, data indicating a characteristic for a component of a voltage for a source, and receiving, at a second generator set, the data indicating the characteristic for the component of the voltage for the source. The method also includes calculating, by each of the first and second generator sets, a speed offset parameter and a voltage offset parameter based on the received data. The first and second generator sets are configured to receive the same data indicating the component and independently calculate the same speed offset parameter and voltage offset parameter. The method further includes controlling operation of the first and second generator sets based on the calculated speed offset and voltage offset parameters.