Power Control Device for Distributed Energy Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power control systems face challenges in efficiently managing and operating multiple distributed power sources like photovoltaic cells, storage cells, fuel cells, and gas powered generators without compromising their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that includes a power control device with a first power converter to convert AC power from the commercial grid to DC power for storage cells during interconnected operation, and a supply unit to supply power generated by the power generation device to the storage cell during independent operation, along with an independent operation switch to manage forward power flow, ensuring efficient operation control among distributed power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a power control system integrates multiple distributed power sources (photovoltaic cells, storage cells, fuel cells, gas powered generators) to manage efficient operation control, then the system can achieve coordinated power management and optimization, but the device complexity increases due to the need for integrating and controlling multiple different power source types
Solution Approach 1:
The power control device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle different types of distributed power sources (photovoltaic cells, storage cells, fuel cells, gas powered generators) through a unified control architecture. The device can perform AC-DC conversion, DC-DC conversion, and power supply control functions that work across all power source types, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each power source type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first power converter for AC-DC conversion during interconnected operation, a second power converter for DC-DC conversion during independent operation, and a control unit. This modular segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together to manage multiple power source types, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between interconnected operation (grid-connected) and independent operation (off-grid) modes, then the versatility and adaptability of the distributed power sources are maintained, but the reliability challenges increase due to the need for seamless switching and stable power flow management
Solution Approach 1:
The power control device employs dynamic switching capability that allows it to transition between interconnected and independent operation modes based on grid availability and system requirements. The switching mechanism is controlled by a control unit that monitors system conditions and adjusts the operational mode accordingly, ensuring continuous and stable power supply without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control device acts as an intermediary between the distributed power sources and the grid/load, managing power flow in both directions. During interconnected operation, it mediates between the power sources and the grid; during independent operation, it mediates between power sources and the load. This intermediary role ensures stable power flow management and protects the system from external disturbances.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses a current sensor to detect forward power flow and employs switches to control power flow direction, then the power management precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control components and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The current sensor is designed with multi-functional capability to detect not only forward power flow but also reverse power flow conditions. This unified detection mechanism eliminates the need for separate sensors for different power flow directions, reducing the number of control components while maintaining measurement precision across all operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for managing forward and reverse power flow are merged into a single control unit that processes signals from the current sensor and coordinates the switching operations. This consolidation of control functions reduces the number of separate control components and simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining precise power flow management.
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
This solution enables efficient operation control among multiple distributed power sources without impairing their versatility, allowing for seamless switching between interconnected and independent operations while ensuring stable power supply and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a first power converter configured to convert AC power from a commercial power grid to DC power and supply the DC power to the storage cell during an interconnected operation
Implementation Method 2
The second power converter may be a converter that removes a DC component of current
Implementation Method 3
an independent operation switch opened during the interconnected operation and closed during the independent operation to cause output from the first power converter to flow in a forward power flow direction through the current sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This system can manage efficient operation control among distributed power sources without impairing their versatility. This power control system includes distributed power sources including a storage cell (12) and a power generation device (33) that generates power while a current sensor (40) detects forward power flow, and a power control device (20) including a first power converter (21) that converts AC power from a commercial power grid to DC power and supplies the DC power to the storage cell (12) during an interconnected operation, a supply unit that supplies power generated by the power generation device (33) to the storage cell (12) during an independent operation, and an independent operation switch (24) opened during the interconnected operation and closed during the independent operation to cause output from the first power converter (21) to flow in a forward power flow direction through the current sensor (40).