Micro-grid Controller Optimizes Fuel Use via Dynamic Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current military micro-grid power systems face inefficiencies due to the inability to effectively manage and balance power resources, leading to excessive fuel consumption and inefficient energy distribution, particularly in expeditionary and remote settings, where generators must maintain excess capacity to handle peak demands and sudden changes in load, and lack integration with renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically managing power distribution in micro-grids by using a master controller to balance electrical power supply based on load profiles and reserve levels, automatically selecting and activating/deactivating power sources to minimize fuel consumption, including renewable and stored energy, and delaying load activation when necessary to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If generators maintain excess spinning reserve capacity to handle peak demands and sudden load changes, then reliability of power supply is improved, but fuel consumption increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator output and load distribution in real-time based on actual power demands, environmental conditions, and fuel availability. The controller continuously monitors system state and reconfigures power flow to match current needs, transforming the static excess reserve model into a dynamic optimized operation model that maintains reliability while reducing wasted fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as generator speed, fuel injection rate, and load allocation based on real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed excess capacity, the system achieves both reliability and fuel efficiency, resolving the contradiction between having sufficient reserve capacity and minimizing energy loss.
2Device complexity
If traditional micro-grid systems operate without integration of renewable energy sources, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple power sources including diesel generators, renewable energy sources (solar, wind), and energy storage systems into a unified multi-functional power supply network. The controller seamlessly manages power flow from diverse sources based on their availability and efficiency, allowing the system to function as both a traditional generator-based micro-grid and a renewable-integrated system, thereby improving energy efficiency without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between traditional generators and renewable energy sources, managing power flow optimization, load distribution, and system configuration. This mediator enables efficient integration of renewables while maintaining system simplicity through automated decision-making, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If generators operate at reduced capacity to minimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but power output decreases and ability to meet peak demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging energy storage systems during periods of low demand and high renewable availability, and by pre-positioning loads during off-peak hours. This allows generators to operate at optimal efficient capacities during critical periods while meeting peak demands through stored energy and coordinated load management, thereby maintaining both fuel efficiency and adequate power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining a balanced operation where generators run at optimal efficient points continuously, while renewable sources and storage systems provide supplemental power during peak demands. This continuous optimized operation prevents generators from cycling between inefficient high-power and idle states, maintaining both fuel efficiency and power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and control apparatus are presented for controlling supply of electrical power to a micro-grid power system, in which a master controller automatically rebalances the micro-grid by changing an activation state of one or more loads and/or activating and deactivating individual power supplies to preferentially activate non-fuel consuming power supplies and deactivate fuel consuming power supplies so as to minimize fuel consumption for the micro-grid power system.