Hybrid Power Plant Control for Grid-Responsive Active-Reactive Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid power plants lack a coordinated control system to efficiently manage multiple power sources in response to grid demands, requiring manual intervention for power adjustments during peak hours or frequency variations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling a hybrid power generation plant that includes a hydro plant, solar plant, and battery storage system, utilizing data from the grid to vary power production based on source capabilities and characteristics, optimizing power output to meet grid requirements while avoiding wear and tear, and expanding the operating range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual intervention is used to adjust power production during peak hours or frequency variations, then operational flexibility can be maintained, but response time is slow and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated coordination of power sourcesVSAvoidcontrol system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple power sources (hydro, solar, wind, battery) and the grid. This central unit receives grid data and automatically adjusts power production schedules, eliminating the need for manual intervention while managing the complexity through a dedicated coordination layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system pre-calculates and schedules power production adjustments based on forecasted grid conditions and power source characteristics. By preparing power schedules in advance rather than reacting manually to grid changes, the system achieves fast automated response while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If power production is increased to meet peak grid demand, then productivity improves, but wear and tear on power sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output to meet grid demandVSAvoidpower source durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power scheduling that continuously adjusts power production levels based on real-time grid conditions and power source status. The system optimizes the mix of power sources and their output levels to meet demand while avoiding excessive stress on individual components, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors and adjusts operational parameters of each power source (such as output power level, operating mode) based on grid requirements and equipment conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters rather than operating at fixed high levels, the system meets peak demand while reducing cumulative wear and tear on power generation assets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple power sources are operated independently, then each source can optimize its own performance, but coordinated response to grid demands is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinated power outputVSAvoidcontrol architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple independent power sources into a unified coordinated control system. The central control unit aggregates information from all power sources and the grid, then generates integrated power schedules that optimize the combined output of hydro, solar, wind, and battery systems, achieving coordinated response while managing complexity through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If power production is adjusted frequently to respond to grid variations, then adaptability improves, but mechanical stress on equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to grid frequency variationsVSAvoidmechanical stress and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles rather than continuous rapid changes. It monitors grid conditions at regular intervals and makes coordinated adjustments to power production schedules, allowing equipment to stabilize between adjustments. This periodic approach maintains adaptability to grid variations while reducing the cumulative mechanical stress from frequent rapid changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250260238A1Method for controlling a hybrid power generation plant by varying power production of one of a plurality of power sources based on data from the grid and characteristics of each power source

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 GE RENEWABLE TECH

AI summary

A method and system control a hybrid power generation plant by receiving from a grid a data from among a power demand, a peak hour, a frequency, a ramp, a reactive power, or a voltage. A power production of power sources in the plant is varied depending on the received data and a of each of the power sources. The varying increases an active power produced by the plant while maintaining reactive power at a constant level by increasing a real power of a first power source while decreasing a reactive power produced by the first power source and simultaneously increasing a reactive power produced by a second power source without increasing a real power produced by the second power source. The first power source is a different type of power source from the second power source.