Microgrid Power Management Software for AC DC Bus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microgrid technologies lack a comprehensive system and method for managing AC to AC, DC to DC, and DC to AC power across multiple inputs and outputs, and do not utilize business rules derived from power pricing contracts and load sharing agreements to manage microgrid operations, nor can they adjust operating rules based on feedback from the microgrid module.
Innovation Solution
A power management software module installed in a computing device coupled to a microgrid module, which processes business parameters to create operational rules and communicates with sensors and controllable elements in the physical circuitry layer to manage power flow, enabling the microgrid to operate with AC to AC, DC to DC, and DC to AC across multiple inputs and outputs, and to adjust operations based on feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive system for managing AC to AC, DC to DC, and DC to AC power across multiple inputs and outputs is implemented, then the microgrid's power management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is divided into separate functional modules including a power management software module, a control software module, and a circuit layer with distinct AC and DC buses. Each module handles specific power conversion tasks (AC to AC, DC to DC, AC to DC, DC to AC) independently, making the complex system manageable and maintainable while preserving comprehensive power management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The microgrid module is designed with universal power management capability that can handle multiple power conversion types (AC to AC, DC to DC, AC to DC, DC to AC) through a single integrated system. The power management software module and control software module work together with the circuit layer to provide multi-functional power management across different power sources and loads
2Productivity
If business rules from power pricing contracts and load sharing agreements are integrated into microgrid operations, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Business rules from power pricing contracts and load sharing agreements are pre-configured and stored in the power management software module before microgrid operations begin. These rules are processed in advance to create operational parameters that guide real-time power management decisions, improving operational efficiency without adding real-time computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power management software module acts as an intermediary between business contracts and the control software module. It translates business rules into technical operational parameters and passes them to the control software, which then implements them in the circuit layer. This intermediary layer simplifies the integration of complex business rules into operational control
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time feedback from microgrid module operation is used to adjust operating rules, then the system adaptability is improved, but the loss of time in processing feedback increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control software module continuously monitors the operation of the microgrid module through sensors in the circuit layer and feeds this information back to the power management software module. The power management software compares actual performance against business rules and operational parameters, automatically adjusting operating rules in real-time to optimize microgrid performance based on actual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback loop operates continuously without interruption, with the control software module constantly monitoring power flow, voltage, and current across all buses. This continuous monitoring and adjustment ensures the microgrid adapts in real-time to changing conditions, minimizing any time loss in the feedback processing cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a microgrid module. The microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a power management software module and a control software module installed on a microgrid computer. The power management software module uses received business parameters to create rules for applying to the operation of the microgrid module. The rules are stored locally at the microgrid computer so that they can be quickly accessed by a control software module. The control software module uses the rules in combination with data collected from sensors installed in the physical circuitry layer of the microgrid module to control the operations of the microgrid module.