Paralleled Power Source Control for Low-Bandwidth Micro-Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-grids face challenges in setup, maintenance, and integration of renewable power sources due to the need for high bandwidth networks and specialized skills, which increases time, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system with lead and follower controllers among inverters, where the lead controller determines a power target based on grid conditions and communicates it to follower controllers to maintain grid stability and balance load sharing, even in low-bandwidth networks, allowing for efficient integration of renewable sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power sources are paralleled in a micro-grid, then power supply capacity and reliability are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions into two distinct segments: lead controllers that make decisions and follower controllers that execute commands. This segmentation allows multiple power sources to be paralleled while simplifying individual controller design and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between controllers, enabling coordinated operation of multiple power sources without requiring complex direct interconnections. This mediator facilitates information exchange while keeping individual controller designs simple.
2Measurement precision
If high bandwidth networks are used for controller communication, then control precision and response time are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by implementing control loops that operate at different bandwidths. Critical control functions use higher bandwidth while less time-sensitive functions use lower bandwidth, achieving adequate control precision without requiring uniformly high bandwidth across all communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication bandwidth parameters based on operational conditions. During normal operation, lower bandwidth suffices, but during transient events or startup, the system increases bandwidth allocation to maintain control precision when needed most.
3Reliability
If specialized skillsets are required for micro-grid maintenance, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated control algorithms that continuously monitor and adjust power source operation. The lead-follower controller architecture enables automatic load sharing and coordination, reducing the need for specialized manual intervention and making the system easier to operate and maintain.
4Stability of the object's composition
If considerable time is allocated for micro-grid deployment, then system stability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs preliminary action through pre-configured lead and follower controller roles that are assigned during startup. This preliminary designation of control hierarchy allows the system to quickly establish stable operation without requiring lengthy commissioning procedures, thereby accelerating deployment while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing loads on a power grid are provided. In some embodiments, the load control system includes one or more power sources connected to a power grid. A method includes determining, by a first genset connected to a power grid, a power average at a first rate, and generating, by the first genset, a filtered power average. The filtered average includes the power average at a second rate. The filtered power average is used in a second algorithm to balance the load share of power sources on the power grid.