Hybrid Generator System with Solid State Converter for Island Grid Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In island grid power systems, natural gas generators face limitations in load step capability and frequency regulation, requiring additional generators and artificial loading, which increases fuel consumption and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising variable speed generators, fixed speed generators, and a solid state generator with energy storage and converters, controlled to manage load transients and maintain voltage and frequency, allowing for efficient load distribution and reduced fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If natural gas generators are used to provide power, then fuel cost and emissions are improved, but load step capability and frequency regulation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel costVSAvoidload step capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple generator types (natural gas generators, diesel generators, and solid state generators) into a hybrid power system. This merging allows the system to leverage the fuel efficiency and low emissions of natural gas generators while using diesel generators and solid state generators to compensate for their limited load step capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between fuel cost efficiency and load step capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid state generator acts as an intermediary device between the natural gas generators and the load. It provides rapid response to load transients and frequency regulation, enabling the natural gas generators to operate efficiently without suffering from their inherent poor step response capability. The solid state generator mediates the mismatch between the slow response of natural gas generators and the dynamic load requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If multiple generators are paralleled to match load requirements, then load capacity and redundancy are improved, but system complexity and fuel consumption worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load sharing and generator control where the control system continuously monitors load conditions and dynamically adjusts generator output and activation. This allows the system to optimize the number of active generators based on real-time demand, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption from idle generators while maintaining the capability to handle peak loads. The dynamic control also simplifies operation by automatically managing generator coordination rather than requiring fixed paralleled configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If artificial loading is applied to maintain generator speed, then generator response time is improved, but fuel consumption worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenerator response timeVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical artificial loading system with an electronic solid state generator system. Instead of using mechanical resistor banks or dummy loads to maintain generator speed and response time, the solid state generator uses power electronics to provide instantaneous response to load transients. This substitution eliminates the continuous fuel consumption required to maintain artificial loads while preserving the rapid response capability needed for frequency regulation and load step handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively manages load transients and maintains voltage and frequency within specifications, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs by optimizing generator usage and energy storage.

Implementation Method 1

A system is disclosed including at least one variable speed generator system configured to provide power to a load bus and at least one fixed speed generator configured to provide power to the load bus. The system also includes a solid state generator (SSG) system including at least one energy storage device and a converter coupled to the at least one energy storage device and configured to transfer power between the at least one energy storage device and the load bus.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10289080B2Multi-generator applications using variable speed and solid state generators for efficiency and frequency stabilization

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 FLEXGEN POWER SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A system includes at least one variable speed generator system configured to provide power to a load bus and at least one fixed speed generator configured to provide power to the load bus. The system also includes a solid state generator (SSG) system including at least one energy storage device and a converter coupled to the at least one energy storage device and configured to transfer power between the at least one energy storage device and the load bus. The system further includes a control system configured to control the at least one variable speed generator system, the at least one fixed speed generator and the SSG system responsive to changes in a load on the load bus.