Microgrid Converter Frequency Stabilization via Active Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microgrid systems face instability in frequency and voltage during load transients due to interactions between power converter systems (PCS) and diesel generator sets, leading to oscillatory behavior and inefficient fuel consumption, as current control methods are delayed and lack effective damping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for autonomously stabilizing the frequency in a microgrid by dynamically adjusting the active power of the converter based on network frequency measurements, using a regulation algorithm that includes active damping and droop control, allowing for quick response to load variations without external sensors or high-speed communication, thereby minimizing frequency and voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the PCS operates as a voltage generator in parallel with the generator set to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but frequency and voltage instability occurs during load transients due to control system interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidfrequency and voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCS measures the actual frequency of the microgrid and compares it with the nominal frequency. Based on this feedback, the PCS dynamically adjusts its active power output to stabilize frequency during load transients, while maintaining optimized fuel consumption during steady-state operation through constant power injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control mode of the PCS is made dynamic, switching between constant power mode during steady-state for fuel optimization and frequency-responsive mode during transients for stability. The system adapts its behavior based on operating conditions, allowing it to prioritize fuel efficiency when stable and respond to frequency deviations when transients occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the PCS follows frequency and voltage variations to maintain voltage generator operation, then parallel operation capability is improved, but the generator set experiences load variations causing frequency instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel operation capabilityVSAvoidfrequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The PCS implements preliminary anti-action by detecting frequency deviations and preemptively adjusting its active power output to counteract load variations on the generator set. Instead of passively following frequency variations, the PCS actively opposes them by injecting or absorbing power to maintain frequency stability, preventing oscillatory behavior before it develops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3729598B1Method and system for regulating an electrical converter for autonomous frequency stabilisation with load transients in a microgrid comprising a diesel engine-generator
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 SOCOMEC SPA
  • EP3729598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3729598B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP3729598B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method for regulating a converter for autonomously stabilizing the frequency of a micro-network comprising a generating set, the method comprising: - determining (110) a power regulation variable (P*) on the basis of a power variation (ΔΡ1) resulting from the initial power setpoint (Pref), from which the estimated active power (Pm) and the active damping value (D) have been subtracted, - calculating (115) a second power variation (ΔΡ2, ΔΡ200) at least on the basis of the difference between the power regulation variable (P*) and the estimated active power (Pm), and - determining (125) a frequency control value (Cf) for controlling the converter on the basis of the second power variation (ΔΡ2, ΔΡ200), - receiving (130) a frequency value (Af, Afm) characteristic of a load variation of said micro-network to which the converter is intended to be connected, and - determining (135) an active damping value (D) on the basis of the received frequency value (Af, Afm).