Electric Power Source Control Using an Energy Dissipater Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power systems face challenges in managing rapid changes in power consumption, particularly when the power source, such as a fuel cell or wind turbine generator, cannot instantaneously adjust to fluctuating loads, leading to potential over-supply and reduced battery durability.
Innovation Solution
An energy dissipater with an air compressor, controlled by a processor, is used to balance power fluctuations by receiving electric power at a third level, which is the difference between initial and new power consumption levels, thereby managing surplus energy and reducing the need for rapid battery adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric power source directly supplies power to the power consumer without an energy dissipater, then the system is simpler, but the power source cannot rapidly respond to sudden changes in power consumption, leading to potential over-supply and system instability
Solution Approach 1:
An energy dissipater is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric power source and the power consumer. This dissipater absorbs excess energy when the power consumer's demand suddenly increases, preventing over-supply conditions and stabilizing the system. The dissipater acts as a buffer that mediates the power flow, allowing the system to handle rapid load changes without requiring the power source to respond instantaneously.
2Speed
If the electric power source rapidly adjusts to follow dynamic changes in power consumption, then the system responds faster to load changes, but the power source may be damaged or its lifespan reduced due to rapid adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipater provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to absorb excess energy. When sudden load changes occur, the dissipater is already in place to cushion the impact, preventing rapid adjustments that could damage the power source. This protective mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing the power source to operate more smoothly without experiencing damaging transient conditions.
3Reliability
If a large battery pack is used to manage rapid power changes, then the system can handle dynamic loads better, but the system becomes more expensive and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipater serves as an intermediary that reduces the burden on the battery pack. Instead of requiring a large battery to handle all rapid power changes, the dissipater absorbs some of the transient energy, allowing for a smaller, more compact battery configuration. This intermediary approach distributes the power management function across two components, reducing the size requirements for the battery while maintaining reliable power management capability.
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 effectively regulates power consumption, avoids rapid changes that can damage batteries, and reduces the size and cost of battery packs while improving their durability, allowing for optimized operation of electric power systems in vehicles and other non-stationary equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor operable by electric power from the electric power source to pressurize a flow of air
Data Source
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AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a method of controlling an electric power system, the method comprising: determining, by a processor device of a computer system, a change in power consumption of a power consumer from a first power level to a second power level; and controlling in response to determining the change in power consumption, an energy dissipater to receive electric power from an electric power source at a third power level, the third power level being a difference between the first power level and the second power level.