GTG Load Sharing via Interconnection Bus Without Central Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power generation systems, the instability and inefficiency arise when the centralized controller is offline due to technical or environmental issues, leading to uneven load distribution among generators and unstable power generation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a load sharing module in each gas-turbine generator (GTG) allows for distributed control, enabling GTGs to select control modes (such as droop or isochronous modes) based on shared status information via an interconnection bus, thereby maintaining stable operations without relying on a centralized controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized controller is used to manage load sharing, then power generation system stability is ensured, but the system becomes vulnerable to instability when the centralized controller is offline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed control modules located in each GTG controller. Each controller independently performs load sharing calculations and power level adjustments based on local measurements and interconnections, eliminating the single point of failure represented by the centralized controller while maintaining system-wide coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each GTG controller autonomously determines its own power output level by monitoring the status of other GTGs through the interconnection bus and applying load sharing algorithms locally. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain stable operation without external centralized control, as each unit independently adapts to changing system conditions.
2Reliability
If distributed control is implemented in each GTG, then the system remains operational when centralized controller is offline, but load distribution may become uneven without centralized coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where each GTG controller monitors the operational status, power output, and load conditions of other GTGs through the interconnection bus. Based on this real-time feedback, each controller dynamically adjusts its power level to maintain balanced load distribution across the fleet, ensuring both operational continuity and load uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions (load monitoring, power level calculation, stability maintenance) into integrated control modules within each GTG controller. This merging of functions enables each distributed controller to independently perform comprehensive load sharing management, achieving both operational reliability and balanced load distribution without centralized coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GTGs operate independently without interconnection, then each GTG has full control autonomy, but the system cannot achieve coordinated load sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interconnection bus as a communication intermediary that links all GTG controllers. This bus enables the exchange of status information and coordination signals between controllers, allowing each GTG to maintain full operational autonomy while simultaneously achieving coordinated load sharing through shared information about system-wide conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide load sharing for maintaining a stable operation of a group of electrical power generators in different load sharing scenarios. Over an interconnect bus, a controller of a gas-turbine generator (GTG) receives an indication of power generated in a set of GTGs (including the GTG) that are part of a power network, and an indication of a status change of the power network. Based on the status change and the power generated, the controller of the GTG determines whether a change in power generated by the power network is to occur and a new power level to be generated by the GTG.