Parallel Power Converter Droop Adjustment for Supply Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power generation systems with multiple units, synchronizing power converters without centralized control and maintaining power supply continuity when one or more converters fail or malfunction is challenging, especially in decentralized configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where controllers detect operating conditions of power converters, control load currents through a power bus, and alter droop characteristics of remaining converters to ensure uninterrupted power supply by adjusting their operational capabilities based on the controlled load current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power generation system blocks are operated in parallel to supply increasing power demands and facilitate high availability, then power supply reliability is improved, but synchronization of power converters becomes more challenging without centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
Each power converter independently determines its own operating state by monitoring its own output current and comparing it against threshold values, eliminating the need for centralized control or complex inter-converter communication for synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the droop characteristic parameter of power converters based on their operating state (determined by output current thresholds), allowing automatic adaptation and synchronization without centralized coordination
2Reliability
If one or more power converters fail or malfunction, then system redundancy is tested, but maintaining continuity of power supply becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The droop characteristic of power converters is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of output current, allowing the system to automatically adapt to converter failures and maintain stable parallel operation of remaining converters
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the output current of each power converter and uses this feedback to determine operating state and adjust droop characteristics, enabling automatic fault response and continuous power supply
3Stability of the object's composition
If droop characteristics are altered to maintain power supply continuity, then power distribution stability is improved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined current thresholds that define operating states, allowing converters to automatically adjust droop characteristics based on pre-defined criteria rather than requiring continuous precise measurement and complex control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes detecting a determined operating condition of a first power converter that is one of a plurality of first power converters in a power generating unit, and the power generating unit is one of a plurality of power generating units. The method further includes responding to detection of the determined operating condition by: controlling, via at least one remaining first power converter of the plurality of first power converters, a load current flowing through a power bus coupled to the plurality of power generating units, and altering one or more droop characteristics corresponding to one or more second power converters disposed in other power generating units based at least in part on the controlled load current flowing through the power bus, wherein the one or more second power converters disposed in other power generating units are coupled to the power bus.