Power Balancing Controller for Phase Imbalance in Multi-Phase Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Local power grids experience power balancing issues due to non-uniform power consumption between phases, leading to fuse breakage and increased costs from high power usage during peak hours.

Innovation Solution

A method and controller system that monitors power consumption, stores energy using multiple inverters connected between the energy storage and each phase of the power grid, and redistributes power to balance phases, adapting controllable load consumption based on available power and storage charge status, while also limiting external power flow to prevent fuse overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If controllable loads are operated without power balancing control, then power consumption flexibility is improved, but power distribution uniformity deteriorates causing phase imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption flexibilityVSAvoidpower distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the power consumption of each phase and the charge status of the energy storage unit, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust the power distribution. The controller compares the monitored values with reference values and adjusts the controllable loads accordingly to maintain balanced power distribution while allowing flexible consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of controllable loads based on real-time power distribution conditions. By adjusting parameters such as power consumption levels and operational timing of controllable loads, the system achieves both flexible power usage and balanced phase distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If energy storage is used to redistribute power between phases, then power distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple inverters and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution uniformityVSAvoidinverter and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage unit with its inverter system performs multiple functions: it stores energy, redistributes power between phases, and controls controllable loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving power balancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically monitors power consumption, determines redistribution needs, and adjusts the system operation without external intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain balanced power distribution, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If power is redistributed based on energy storage charge status, then reliability is improved by preventing over-discharge, but power flexibility is reduced due to charge status constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveover-discharge preventionVSAvoidpower flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system preliminarily assesses the charge status of the energy storage unit before authorizing power redistribution and controllable load operation. By checking the charge status in advance and comparing it with reference values, the system prevents over-discharge scenarios before they occur, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining flexibility within safe boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If external power flow is limited to prevent fuse breakage, then reliability is improved, but power consumption capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuse protectionVSAvoidpower consumption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage unit acts as an intermediary between the external power grid and the local controllable loads. It buffers and regulates power flow, allowing the system to limit external power flow to prevent fuse breakage while still meeting local power demands through stored energy and controlled redistribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11552473B2Method and system for power balancing

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 GYCOM CONNECTED RESIDENCE AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for power balancing a power grid (10) having multiple phases (12:1,2 3) and a common ground (0). The power grid (10) is connected to at least one load (13, 17) causing a non-uniform power consumption between the multiple phases (12: 1, 2, 3) of the power grid (10). The method comprises: monitoring power provided to the power grid (10) in controller (18), storing available energy in the power grid (10) in an energy storage (16) using multiple inverters (I1, I2, I3), each inverter (I1, I2, I3) is connected between the energy storage (16) and each phase (12: 1, 2, 3) of the power grid (10), and redistributing power between phases (12: 1, 2, 3) based on power available in the energy storage (16) by controlling power flow through the inverters (I1, I2, I3) by the controller (18) based on the non-uniform power consumption.