Multi-Mode Power Support System for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical grid faces challenges in maintaining stability due to varying load demands and reactive power requirements, which can lead to inefficiencies and instability, especially with the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy, and existing solutions like passive components have limited response times and high inverter losses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode, large-scale electric power support system that integrates solar or wind renewable energy with stored energy, using DC-to-AC inverters with step waveform phase-shifted outputs to supply at least 2,500 kW to the grid with low harmonic distortion and provide on-demand reactive power compensation, thereby stabilizing the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If passive reactive components are used for reactive power compensation, then the system structure is simple, but the response time is limited and cannot react quickly to varying load demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical/reactive components with active power electronic devices (inverters) that can dynamically and rapidly adjust reactive power output. The inverter-based system uses electronic control to achieve fast response to load changes, substituting the slow response of passive components with electronically controlled active compensation.
2Loss of energy
If conventional reactive power compensation methods are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but inverter losses are high and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes inverter operating parameters including switching frequencies, pulse width modulation strategies, and control algorithms to minimize power losses. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on load conditions, the system reduces inverter losses while maintaining effective reactive power compensation, thereby improving overall efficiency.
3Reliability
If renewable energy sources are integrated to address intermittency, then sustainability is improved, but grid stability becomes more challenging due to varying output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor grid conditions, load demands, and renewable energy output. The system uses this real-time information to dynamically adjust reactive power compensation and maintain grid stability despite the intermittent nature of renewable sources, adapting quickly to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control strategies that allow the inverter to rapidly adjust its operation in response to varying renewable energy output and load demands. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain stability while adapting to the intermittent characteristics of solar and wind power sources.
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 effectively stabilizes the electrical grid by supplying power with low harmonic distortion and reactive power compensation, improving grid stability and efficiency, and can operate in various modes to adapt to changing demand and energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
via a plurality of DC-to-AC inverters with step waveform phase-shifted outputs
Implementation Method 2
from co-located solar or wind renewable energy DC power sources
Implementation Method 3
from co-located solar or wind renewable energy DC power sources
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated multi-mode, large-scale electric power support system supplies on demand at least 2,500 kW to an electrical grid with low harmonic distortion either from co-located solar or wind renewable energy DC power sources or in combination with, or alternatively, from system stored energy DC power sources via a plurality of DC-to-AC inverters with phase-shifted outputs. The power support system can also inject on demand grid power factor correcting reactive power. An alternative high voltage power support system can supply on demand at least 50 megawatts to the grid.