Micro-grid Synchronization via Simultaneous Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of reconnecting a micro-grid to a bulk grid is laborious and time-consuming, requiring individual synchronization and reconnection of generating assets, which can be complex and impact micro-grid assets adversely.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a control unit to determine and compare micro-grid and bulk grid parameters, synchronize generating units, and simultaneously reconnect them to the bulk grid via a point of interconnection breaker, minimizing parameter deviations and optimizing reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each generating asset is individually connected back to the bulk grid, then the reconnection process ensures proper synchronization of each asset, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming with greater intermediate steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all generating assets into a single micro-grid entity for reconnection purposes. The control unit treats the micro-grid as one integrated system rather than individual assets, enabling simultaneous synchronization and reconnection of all generating units through a single POI breaker operation, thus reducing reconnection time while maintaining synchronization accuracy through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary synchronization of the entire micro-grid to the bulk grid parameters before the actual reconnection. By pre-adjusting the micro-grid's frequency, voltage, and phase to match the bulk grid, the system ensures proper synchronization is achieved in advance, allowing for a single simultaneous closing operation without requiring individual asset synchronization steps
2Reliability
If individual synchronization and reconnection of generating assets is performed, then proper synchronization is achieved, but the number of intermediate steps and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual synchronization and reconnection operations into a single integrated process. The control unit manages the entire micro-grid as one entity, performing one synchronization operation and one simultaneous reconnection operation for all generating assets, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors bulk grid parameters, synchronizes the entire micro-grid, controls the POI breaker operation, and protects micro-grid assets all through a single centralized system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment or control systems for each generating asset, reducing overall process complexity
3Productivity
If simultaneous reconnection of all generating units is performed, then the number of intermediate steps and time required is reduced, but precautions must be taken to ensure micro-grid assets are not adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary synchronization by adjusting the micro-grid's frequency, voltage, and phase angle to precisely match the bulk grid parameters before the simultaneous reconnection. This pre-synchronization ensures that when the POI breaker closes, there are no harmful transients or shocks to the micro-grid assets, enabling fast simultaneous reconnection without adverse impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors bulk grid parameters and uses this feedback to adjust the micro-grid's operating parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that the micro-grid is properly synchronized with the bulk grid before reconnection and maintains stable operation after simultaneous connection, preventing adverse impacts on assets while achieving fast reconnection
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operatively coupling a plurality of generating units in at least one micro-grid to a bulk grid, where the at least one micro-grid is configurable to be operatively coupled to the bulk grid via a point of interconnection breaker is presented. The method includes, using a control unit operatively coupled to the at least one micro-grid and the bulk grid, determining one or more bulk grid side parameters and one or more micro-grid side parameters, comparing one or more of the one or more micro-grid side parameters with corresponding one or more bulk grid side parameters, and synchronizing each of the plurality of generating units in the at least one micro-grid with the bulk grid based on the comparison. Further, the method includes connecting simultaneously, using the point of interconnection breaker, each of the plurality of generating units to the bulk grid based on the synchronization.