Intelligent Electronic Device Synchronization for Auxiliary Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems require expensive dedicated equipment for synchronizing auxiliary generators with electrical grids, which is prone to communication failures and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measures and matches the frequency and phase angle of an auxiliary AC generator with the electrical distribution system, using intelligent electronic devices to automatically or manually close interconnecting contactors for synchronization, eliminating the need for dedicated measuring/control equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive dedicated measuring/control equipment is used for synchronization, then measurement precision and control reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) to perform multiple functions: they continue their primary role in power system monitoring and control while simultaneously executing synchronization measurements and control for auxiliary generators. The IED measures frequency and phase angle of both the auxiliary generator and the grid, determines synchronization status, and controls contactor operation—all without requiring dedicated synchronization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the IED to autonomously perform the complete synchronization process without external dedicated equipment. The device automatically measures electrical parameters, computes frequency and phase angle differences, determines when synchronization criteria are met, and controls the closing of interconnecting contactors. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for separate synchronization devices while maintaining measurement precision and control reliability.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated synchronization equipment is used, then measurement and control accuracy are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by making the IED multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate dedicated synchronization equipment. The same device that monitors and controls the power distribution system is also used to measure frequency and phase angle of the auxiliary generator and grid, determine synchronization status, and control contactor operation. This consolidation maintains measurement accuracy while significantly reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing IED infrastructure as a substitute for dedicated synchronization equipment. The IED's existing measurement and control capabilities are leveraged to perform synchronization functions, creating a cost-effective solution that copies the necessary measurement and control functions using already-deployed intelligent electronic devices rather than adding specialized equipment.
3Speed
If high speed communication systems are used for control signals, then control speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions into the local IED device, eliminating the need for separate high-speed communication systems. The IED directly controls the interconnecting contactors based on its real-time measurements of frequency and phase angle, keeping the control loop local and avoiding communication delays or failures. This integration maintains fast response times while improving reliability by removing communication infrastructure from the synchronization control path.
4Device complexity
If manual synchronization procedures are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic synchronization through the IED, which autonomously measures electrical parameters, computes frequency and phase angle differences, determines when synchronization criteria are met, and controls contactor closing without manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains simplicity by using existing IED capabilities while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual synchronization procedures and associated time delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for synchronizing power generators with a power grid are provided. One system among various implementations includes a plurality of synchronization modules, wherein each synchronization module corresponds to one power generator. The synchronization modules are configured to output a control signal to adjust a frequency of the respective power generator to correspond with the frequency of the existing power grid. The system also includes a central controller in communication with the plurality of synchronization modules. The central controller is configured to determine a propagation delay with respect to each synchronization module. The propagation delay is a measure of time for a signal to propagate from the respective synchronization module to the central controller. The central controller is further configured to send a control signal to each synchronization module to control when each synchronization module connects the respective power generator to the existing power grid.