Kinetic Generator Motion-Dependent Rate Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels and offshore drilling rigs face challenges in managing transient and steady-state electric loads due to the slow response time of AC combustion generators, which can lead to power failures with catastrophic consequences.
Innovation Solution
A motion-state dependent method and system for operating a kinetic generator, which determines the motion state of the vessel or platform to limit charging and discharging rates, disabling charging during high motion and limiting deceleration rates to maintain the generator within a safe operating range, thereby ensuring reliable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC combustion generators are used to provide electric power in a microgrid, then the generators can support steady-state loads, but they require significant time to start-up and cannot quickly respond to load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC combustion generators with a kinetic generator (flywheel energy storage system) to create a hybrid power system. The kinetic generator provides rapid response to transient load changes while the combustion generators handle steady-state loads, resolving the contradiction between reliability and response speed by merging two different power generation approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinetic generator uses a spinning rotor that can rapidly adjust its speed to respond to load changes. The system dynamically adjusts the rotor's kinetic energy release rate to match transient power demands, enabling fast response times while maintaining reliable power supply through the combination with combustion generators.
2Speed
If kinetic generator charging and discharging rates are not limited during high motion, then the generator can respond faster to power demands, but the generator may operate outside safe operating range and suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts charging and discharging rate limits based on real-time motion state measurements. When motion is low, higher rates are permitted for faster response; when motion is high, rates are reduced to maintain safety. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between response speed and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (charging/discharging rate limits) based on motion state conditions. By monitoring vibration, acceleration, and other motion parameters, the control system adjusts the allowable power transfer rates to keep the kinetic generator within safe operating boundaries while maximizing response capability when conditions permit.
3Reliability
If motion state monitoring and rate limiting is implemented, then the kinetic generator operates safely within operating range, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors motion state parameters (vibration, acceleration, rotational speed) and uses this feedback to adjust charging/discharging rate limits in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures safe operation while maintaining relatively simple control logic that adapts to changing conditions without requiring complex predictive models.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinetic generator system monitors its own motion state and automatically adjusts its operational parameters to maintain safe operation. The system serves itself by detecting when motion exceeds thresholds and autonomously reducing power transfer rates, eliminating the need for external intervention or overly complex control architectures.
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 kinetic generator system effectively supports both transient and steady-state loads, providing rapid response to power demands and preventing damage from excessive motion, ensuring reliable operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
kinetic generator electrically coupled to the electric power bus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A motion-state dependent method (800) for operating a kinetic generator on a marine vessels or platformmarine vessels or platform includes determining (820) a motion state of the marine vessels or platformmarine vessels or platform, and imposing (830) a limit on at least one of charging and discharging of the kinetic generator based upon the motion state to keep the kinetic generator within a safe operating range.