Power Control Device Droop Curve Selective PCS Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power control methods for energy storage systems (ESS) face inefficiencies in parallel operation, particularly at low loads, where all PCSs are activated even when not needed, leading to reduced system efficiency and increased costs due to unnecessary power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A non-communication high-efficiency parallel operation method using a droop curve that selectively activates and deactivates PCSs based on load conditions, employing different droop curves for each section to optimize power distribution and reduce unnecessary PCS operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If all PCSs are activated in parallel operation, then power distribution capacity is increased, but system efficiency deteriorates at low loads due to unnecessary PCS operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capacityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PCS activation/deactivation based on real-time load conditions. The control device selectively activates only the necessary number of PCSs according to the current power demand, transitioning the system from a static all-PCS-operational mode to a dynamic selective operational mode. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring full power distribution capacity is available when needed while minimizing energy waste during low-load periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the PCS system by introducing selective activation criteria based on load amount thresholds. Instead of maintaining a fixed operational state for all PCSs, the system dynamically adjusts which PCSs are active based on power demand parameters. This parameter-based control strategy optimizes the balance between power distribution capacity and system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple PCSs operate in parallel, then power distribution capability is improved, but control complexity increases without communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where each PCS autonomously determines its operational status based on pre-established droop control parameters and local load condition detection. The control device distributes power to selected PCSs using droop curves without requiring inter-PCS communication, allowing each unit to self-regulate its power contribution. This eliminates communication infrastructure complexity while maintaining coordinated parallel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex communication-based control systems with a simplified droop control mechanism that uses inherent electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) to coordinate PCS operation. Instead of relying on communication protocols and centralized control signals, the system uses passive electrical parameter interactions to achieve automatic load sharing and coordination, significantly reducing control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If PCSs are selectively activated based on load conditions, then energy wastage is reduced, but control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy wastageVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through droop characteristics that continuously monitor electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) and automatically adjust power distribution to activated PCSs. The control device uses real-time feedback on load conditions and PCS performance to maintain precise control over which PCSs remain active and at what power levels, ensuring accurate response to changing load demands without excessive energy wastage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11670943B2Power control device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11670943B2 patent drawing
  • US11670943B2 patent drawing
  • US11670943B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control method of a power control device includes: receiving power from a power supply, distributing the power to at least one of a plurality of power conversion systems (PCSs), and transferring the power to a load using the at least one PCS. The power is distributed based on a load amount of power of each of the plurality of PCSs.