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

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid power plants lack a coordinating function to manage different power sources efficiently, particularly in response to grid power demands and frequency variations, often requiring manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling a hybrid power generation plant that includes a hydro plant, solar plant, wind turbine, and battery storage system, allowing for dynamic adjustment of power production based on received grid data and characteristics of each power source, such as capacity and power curves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used to control power sources in response to grid demands, then operational flexibility can be maintained, but response time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse time to grid demandsVSAvoidautomation level of power source coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically monitors grid conditions (frequency, power demand) and adjusts power source output without human intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions on power allocation based on predefined criteria and characteristics of each power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from the grid interface about power demand and frequency variations, processes this information, and automatically adjusts the output of individual power sources accordingly. This closed-loop control enables rapid response to changing grid conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If individual control units manage each power source independently, then system complexity is reduced, but coordinated operation and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of power productionVSAvoidcomplexity of control system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual control units into a unified control system that manages all power sources collectively. This merged control architecture enables coordinated operation while maintaining the modular structure of individual power source controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors grid conditions, evaluates characteristics of different power sources, determines optimal power allocation, and sends control signals to individual units. This multi-functional approach consolidates control responsibilities while improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If hydro generators operate at full capacity continuously, then power production is maximized, but wear and tear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower production outputVSAvoidservice life of hydro generators

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating capacity of hydro generators based on real-time grid conditions and power source characteristics. Instead of continuous full-capacity operation, the control system varies output levels optimally, reducing mechanical stress and extending equipment life while maintaining required power production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters of hydro generators (such as water flow rate, turbine speed) based on grid demand and environmental conditions. By optimizing these parameters rather than maintaining constant maximum output, the system reduces wear while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the plant operates without considering characteristics of each power source, then operational simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to grid conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to grid power demandsVSAvoidcomplexity of control logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies different control strategies to different power sources based on their specific characteristics. Each power source is managed according to its unique properties (intermittent availability, response time, capacity), enabling tailored optimization that enhances overall adaptability to grid conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12301011B2Method 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: 2025.05.13 GE RENEWABLE TECH

AI summary

A method and system for controlling 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 characteristic 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.