Load Connector Voltage Threshold Control for Off-Grid Power Shortage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems face challenges in efficiently managing connections of loads to a power distribution network, particularly in off-grid states where power generation may not meet demand, leading to potential disconnections of essential loads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising power lines, a central transceiver, and load connectors with input and output terminals, a connector transceiver, voltage sensors, and controllers that determine and adjust voltage disconnect and connect thresholds based on received signals and measured voltages to manage load connections effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the independent power generation system operates in off-grid state to provide power to essential loads, then essential services can remain powered during grid outages, but the system may produce less power than required leading to power shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments loads into essential and non-essential categories, with dedicated load connectors for each. Essential loads (refrigerator, life support systems, security cameras) are always connected to the independent power generation system, while non-essential loads (treadmill, television, microwave) are conditionally connected based on power availability. This segmentation allows the system to guarantee power supply reliability for critical functions while managing power shortages by selectively disconnecting non-critical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The load connector dynamically changes the connection parameter (connected/disconnected) based on power availability conditions. When the independent power generation system produces sufficient power, non-essential loads are connected; when power production falls below required levels, non-essential loads are disconnected. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's power distribution to match available generation capacity while maintaining essential services.
2Reliability
If non-essential loads are disconnected during power shortages to save power for essential loads, then power supply reliability for essential services is maintained, but the system complexity increases with load connectors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The load connector incorporates autonomous control capability that automatically monitors power availability and manages load connections without requiring complex external control systems. The connector itself performs the function of detecting power shortages and disconnecting non-essential loads, thereby maintaining power supply reliability while minimizing overall system complexity through decentralized, self-managing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The load connector acts as an intermediary device between the independent power generation system and the loads. It mediates the power flow by conditionally connecting or disconnecting non-essential loads based on power availability, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture compared to implementing complex centralized control mechanisms while still ensuring reliable power supply to essential loads.
3Loss of energy
If the system dynamically connects and disconnects loads based on power availability, then energy usage is optimized, but the frequency of connection changes may affect load stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined connection priorities for different loads before power shortages occur. Essential loads are pre-designated as always-connected, while non-essential loads are pre-designated as conditionally connected. This preliminary classification allows the system to optimize energy usage by disconnecting only non-essential loads during power shortages, while maintaining stability for essential loads that require continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
Different stability requirements are applied to different loads based on their essentiality. Essential loads (refrigerator, life support systems) are maintained with stable, continuous connections to ensure their operational stability. Non-essential loads (treadmill, television, microwave) are subjected to dynamic connection changes only when power shortages occur, accepting temporary instability as a trade-off for energy optimization. This local differentiation of stability requirements allows the system to optimize energy usage while preserving load stability where critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a central controller for determining at least one parameter for a load connector of a load. The system also includes a central transceiver for transmitting a signal relating to the least one parameter of the load connector. The load connector comprises input terminals for connecting to power lines of a power distribution network, output terminals for connecting to the load, a switch for connecting/disconnecting the input terminals to/from the output terminals, a connector transceiver for receiving the signal, a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage across the input terminals, and a connector controller. The connector controller may determine a voltage disconnect threshold for the load connector based on the at least one parameter. The connector controller may control the switch to connect the output terminals to the input terminals based on a voltage measurement and the voltage disconnect threshold.