Power Control Device Dummy Output for Distributed Source Management

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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 photovoltaic cell, storage cell, and a power generation device, with a power control device that switches between interconnected and independent operations, using a dummy output system to manage power flow and control signals, allowing for efficient operation without impairing the versatility of the distributed power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a power control system integrates multiple distributed power sources (photovoltaic cells, storage cells, fuel cells, gas powered generators), then the system can achieve efficient operation control among multiple power sources, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage and coordinate multiple different power source types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficient operation controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple distributed power sources (photovoltaic cells, storage cells, fuel cells, gas powered generators) into a single integrated power control system that manages all power sources through a unified control architecture, enabling coordinated operation while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power control system is designed with multi-functional capability to handle different types of power sources simultaneously, providing a universal control mechanism that can adapt to various power source characteristics and operational requirements without requiring separate control systems for each power source type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the power control system switches between interconnected and independent operations, then the system can ensure seamless power supply during grid-connected and independent operations, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of switching control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless power supplyVSAvoidswitching control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power control system implements dynamic switching capability that automatically transitions between interconnected and independent operations based on grid conditions and power source availability, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying operational control while ensuring continuous seamless power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor grid status and power source conditions in real-time, automatically triggering appropriate switching actions between interconnected and independent modes, thereby maintaining reliable power supply while reducing operational complexity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power control device manages multiple distributed power sources with different operational characteristics, then the adaptability of the system increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring power flow and control signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidpower flow measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The power control device serves as an intermediary component that standardizes the interface between diverse power sources and the control system, providing unified measurement and detection capabilities for power flow and control signals across all power source types, thereby maintaining high adaptability while simplifying measurement processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient operation control among multiple distributed power sources, ensuring seamless power supply during grid-connected and independent operations, and preventing unnecessary power generation, thus optimizing energy usage and storage.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic cell 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a storage cell 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2988388B1Power control system, power control device, and method for controlling power control system
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP2988388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2988388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2988388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This system can manage efficient operation control among distributed power sources without impairing their versatility. This power control system includes a power generation device (33) that generates power while a current sensor (40) detects forward power flow and another distributed power source (12), and a power control device (20) including an output unit (50) capable of outputting power from the other distributed power source (12) while the power generation device (33) and the other distributed power source (12) are disconnected from the grid. Output from the output unit (50) allows supply of dummy current to the current sensor (40), the dummy current flowing in the same direction as the forward power flow.