Modular Power Conversion System for Distributed Grid Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electrical grids face inefficiencies in integrating distributed power generation from sources like wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, and Stirling engines due to the lack of a flexible system for efficient power conversion and distribution, leading to higher costs and potential power failures.

Innovation Solution

A modular power conversion system that includes power electronics and a method for controlling power flow between various electric resources, prioritizing the use of least expensive sources and directing power to highest priority circuits, using a modular design with interchangeable modules for connecting different power producers and consumers, and incorporating a motor controller for efficient power conversion and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional centralized power grid system is used, then power transmission and distribution can be achieved, but the system lacks flexibility in integrating distributed power generation sources and results in higher costs and potential power failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of distributed power generationVSAvoidpower conversion and distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into multiple independent modular units, each capable of handling specific power conversion tasks. These modules can be independently configured and connected to integrate various distributed power generation sources (wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, Stirling engines) without requiring a complete system redesign, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular power conversion system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow the same hardware modules to work with different types of power generation sources and load configurations. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to various distributed power generation technologies without requiring source-specific conversion equipment, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If power is generated from multiple dispersed sources, then efficiency and cost-effectiveness can be improved, but the lack of flexible power conversion leads to over-generation and power failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular power conversion system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of power flow between multiple distributed sources and loads. Each module can independently regulate its operation based on current system conditions, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing generation and demand patterns, thereby preventing over-generation and power failures while maintaining high distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control mechanisms where each modular unit monitors its own operation and the overall system state, adjusting power conversion parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that power generation from dispersed sources is optimized in real-time, matching actual demand and preventing both over-generation and power shortages, thus improving both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular design with interchangeable modules is used, then flexibility in connecting power producers and consumers is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidmodular system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular power conversion system employs homogeneous module designs with standardized interfaces, communication protocols, and control mechanisms. This uniformity across modules allows for flexible reconfiguration and interconnection of power producers and consumers without requiring custom integration for each module, thereby achieving connection flexibility while actually reducing overall system complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system optimizes power distribution by allocating the most efficient production and transmission of electricity based on available resources and cost, reducing the need for over-generation and minimizing power failures, while allowing connection of various power production entities to any load or electrical grid.

Implementation Method 1

the modular power stage comprising at last one module including power electronics for converting power between the at least one first electronic resource and the at least one second electric resource

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11309715B2Modular power conversion system
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • US11309715B2 patent drawing
  • US11309715B2 patent drawing
  • US11309715B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular power conversion system. The modular power conversion system includes at least one first electric resource, a modular power stage, at least one second electric resource, and wherein the modular power stage comprising at last one module including power electronics for converting power between the at least one first electronic resource and the at least one second electric resource.