Power Router Element for Multi-Grid AC DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microgrid technologies lack a comprehensive system and method for managing AC to AC, DC to DC, and AC to DC power operations across multiple inputs and outputs, and fail to scale for managing multiple microgrid modules dynamically in response to changes in power availability and loads.
Innovation Solution
A system and method featuring a power router element with control software modules that detect power demands, adjust power flow, and manage voltage, enabling AC to AC, DC to DC, and DC to AC conversions between microgrid modules, allowing for real-time power sharing and distribution across multiple interconnected microgrid modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive system for managing AC to AC, DC to DC, and AC to DC power operations across multiple inputs and outputs is implemented, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent power router elements, each capable of handling specific power conversion tasks (AC to AC, DC to DC, AC to DC). Each power router element functions as a modular unit that can be independently controlled and managed, reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining comprehensive power management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power router elements are designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power conversion operations (AC to AC, DC to DC, AC to DC) through a single unified architecture. This universal design allows the system to manage diverse power operations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each conversion type, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system scales to manage multiple microgrid modules dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microgrid system is segmented into multiple independent microgrid modules, each with its own power router element. This modular segmentation allows the system to scale dynamically by adding or removing individual modules without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system. Each module operates semi-autonomously, reducing the control complexity that would otherwise arise from managing a monolithic multi-module system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power router elements incorporate dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of power flow and operational parameters based on changing conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to varying power availability and load demands across multiple microgrid modules without requiring complex static control configurations, thereby improving scalability while managing control complexity through real-time flexibility.
3Productivity
If real-time power flow adjustment is implemented, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power router elements incorporate feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power flow conditions, voltage levels, and load demands across the microgrid modules. This real-time feedback enables automatic adjustment of power distribution to optimize efficiency without requiring complex external control systems. The feedback-driven control allows the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple control architecture through decentralized decision-making at each power router element.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a plurality of microgrid modules. A microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a control software module and a power router software module. The control software module receives data from sensors in the microgrid module and controls the flow of power with controllable elements. The power router software module controls the operation of the power router. The power router can detect changes in demand for power within the microgrid module or from other microgrid modules. The power router can adjust the flow of power between the microgrid modules in response to changes in the supply of power to the microgrid module and changes in the demand for power from the microgrid module.