Microgrid Power Distribution Unit with Remote Monitoring and Safety Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microgrid systems lack the ability to monitor and store operational data from generators, leading to inefficiencies and the need to shut down entire networks for maintenance, and they do not provide a safe method for disconnecting generators without powering down the grid, posing electrocution hazards.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution unit (PDU) with a built-in computer that monitors and stores operational data from multiple generators, enabling load balancing and remote access, and incorporates a safety wire in the power output lines to ensure safe disconnection of generators without powering down the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional microgrid systems operate without centralized monitoring and storage capabilities, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational data is lost and optimization is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (monitoring, data storage, load balancing control, and generator management) into a single centralized power distribution unit. This consolidation prevents data loss by integrating all operational data collection and storage capabilities in one location, while the modular design keeps overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors operational data from all generators, stores historical data for analysis, performs load balancing calculations, and controls generator shutdown sequences. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, addressing data loss prevention without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If entire microgrid networks are shut down to disconnect generators for servicing, then safety is ensured, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically redistributing electrical loads among remaining generators before a generator is disconnected for servicing. The power distribution unit calculates and implements load balancing in advance, ensuring that other generators can handle the additional load, thus enabling continuous operation without compromising safety or reliability.
3Ease of operation
If generators are disconnected without proper safety measures, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit continuously monitors the operational status of all generators and provides real-time feedback. When a generator is disconnected, the system immediately detects the change and adjusts load distribution accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that disconnection operations are safe by preventing overload conditions on remaining generators and maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein include for forming a power grid array with multiple power generators coupled to a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit is adapted to monitor operational data from each of the power generators to perform load balancing among the generators and to optimize the performance of the power grid array. A microgrid network is also provided within the power grid array to enable communication among the power distribution unit and the multiple generators in the array. This communication facilitates monitoring of the power grid as well as receiving and storing the operational data from each of the generators in the grid. The microgrid network can then be used to communicate the operational data over one or more connected networks allowing users to remotely access the power grid and to monitor and control the operational characteristics of the generators.