Multi-Converter Power System Grid Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric power supply systems cannot effectively sell surplus power back to the grid while ensuring that power forbidden from flowing back is prioritized for load supply, leading to inefficiencies in electricity savings.

Innovation Solution

An electric power supply system comprising a first power converter for a solar battery allowed to flow back to the grid, a second power converter for a storage battery, and a third power converter for a fuel cell forbidden from flowing back, with sensors and controllers to manage power flow and prioritize grid sales and load supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If generated power of solar battery is preferentially supplied to load, then load power consumption is covered, but surplus power cannot be sold back to grid when solar battery generates sufficient power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload power supply reliabilityVSAvoidsurplus power selling opportunity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into multiple independent power converters (first power converter for solar battery, second power converter for storage battery, third power converter for fuel cell) with distinct functions. This segmentation allows selective control of power flow paths, enabling surplus solar power to be directed to the grid while forbidden power from fuel cells is directed to loads, resolving the contradiction between load reliability and energy selling opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of power flow based on real-time conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of each power converter and sensor to determine whether solar battery power should flow to the grid or load, and whether fuel cell power should be restricted from the grid. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both load reliability and energy selling opportunities under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple power converters are added to manage different power sources, then power flow control precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower flow control precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power management system into modular segments, with each power converter (first, second, and third) handling a specific power source or storage device. Each converter is equipped with or connected to sensors for precise monitoring. This segmentation achieves high power flow control precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional modularity and clear separation of responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system efficiently sells surplus power back to the grid while prioritizing the use of forbidden power for load supply, optimizing electricity savings and reducing utility costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first power converter connected to a first power generator configured to generate electric power allowed to flow back to a power grid, and carrying out electric conversion of generated power of the first power generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second power converter connected to a storage battery, and configured to charge and discharge the storage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a third power converter connected to a second power generator configured to generate electric power forbidden to flow back to the power grid, and carrying out electric conversion of generated power of the second power generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel Cell: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentEP2793345B1Electric power supply system
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2793345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2793345B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3C
  • EP2793345B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

First to third power converters are connected to a grid-connected feed line in the order of the first power converter, the second power converter and the third power converter from the upstream end of the grid-connected feed line. A first sensor is disposed between the first power converter connected to a solar battery and the second power converter connected to a storage battery, and senses electric power flowing back to a power grid through the grid-connected feed line. A second sensor is disposed between the second power converter and the third power converter connected to a fuel cell, and senses electric power flowing back to the power grid through the grid-connected feed line. The second power converter operates so that the electric power flowing back to the power grid, sensed with the first sensor is kept zero, and the third power converter operates so that the electric power flowing back to the power grid, sensed with the second sensor is kept zero.