Hydroelectric Backup Power Switching Without a UPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power generation systems require uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure continuous operation of electric devices at water channels, leading to complex structures and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic power generation system that includes a fluid machine, a generator, a power supply circuit, and a control unit. The control unit manages the power supply circuit to perform normal operations when the power system is functioning and autonomous operations when it fails, allowing the generator to directly supply power to electric devices without the need for a UPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is introduced to ensure continuous operation of electric devices at water channels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator serves dual purposes: normally supplying power to the power system while simultaneously being capable of directly powering electric devices at water channels when needed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate UPS systems, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two modes: grid-connected power generation and autonomous local power supply. This universal design allows the same equipment to fulfill both primary power generation and backup power supply functions, removing the need for dedicated UPS infrastructure
2Reliability
If an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is introduced to ensure continuous operation of electric devices, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator autonomously provides power to electric devices during power failures without requiring external backup power systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for expensive UPS equipment, reducing overall system cost while ensuring continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the backup power supply function from the separate UPS system and integrates it into the generator's operational capabilities. By taking out the redundant UPS component and incorporating its function into the existing generator, cost is reduced while reliability is maintained
3Reliability
If the generator output power is not reduced during autonomous operation, then power supply reliability is improved, but cavitation and excessive power generation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the operating conditions and dynamically adjusts the generator output power during autonomous operation. This feedback control ensures power supply reliability to electric devices while preventing excessive power generation and cavitation by maintaining optimal operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between different operational states (grid-connected mode and autonomous mode) with real-time power adjustment. During autonomous operation, the generator power output is dynamically reduced to appropriate levels, preventing cavitation while ensuring sufficient power supply to electric devices
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
This configuration enables stable power supply to electric devices during power system failures, reduces the complexity and cost of the system by omitting or downsizing the UPS, and effectively manages power output to prevent excessive generation and cavitation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid machine (W) connected to a water channel (1) through which a fluid flows
Implementation Method 2
a generator (G) driven by the fluid machine (W)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hydraulic power generation system is provided with a control unit (20) which controls the power supply circuit (C) to perform a normal operation of supplying power from the power system (5) to a predetermined electric device (15, 16, 17, 18) provided at the water channel (1) and an autonomous operation of supplying the power generated by the electric generator (G) to the electric device (15, 16, 17, 18). The control unit (20) executes the autonomous operation when the power system (5) fails.