Power System Set Point Optimization via Real-Time Efficiency Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining load distribution in power systems require extensive processing and are not optimized for real-time efficiency, especially considering the unique characteristics of individual power supply units over their operational range.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine set points for power supply units by calculating individual efficiency curves based on historic and current data, optimizing load distribution without predictions, and adjusting operations to minimize fuel consumption and environmental impact, using a set point determining device with an efficiency curve determining unit, optimization handling unit, and machine evaluating unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional load distribution methods are used, then implementation is simple, but system efficiency is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of load distribution from equal sharing to efficiency-based distribution. By determining individual efficiency curves for each power supply unit and using these curves to optimize load allocation, the system achieves improved fuel efficiency (4.5-6% improvement) while maintaining practical implementability through a structured methodology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If optimization methods with predictions are used, then power savings are achieved, but processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingsVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the prediction component from optimization methods. Instead of using predicted performance parameters, the system determines individual efficiency curves based on actual historic and current data, achieving power savings through real efficiency optimization while reducing processing complexity by eliminating prediction algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the power supply units' own historic and current operational data to determine their individual efficiency curves. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external prediction models while achieving optimization based on actual unit characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3769393B1Power system optimisation
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3769393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3769393B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3769393B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a method, set point determining device (38) and computer program product for determining set points of machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels (12, 14, 16, 18) in a power system (10). The set point determining device (38) comprises an efficiency curve determining unit configured to determine, during operation of the power system, current individual efficiency curves of machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels, each curve defining the efficiency of the corresponding machine, energy storage unit, wind generator and/or solar panel, where a current efficiency curve is obtained as a real-time estimation using current and historic power system data,and an optimisation handling unit configured to, at a point in time of power system control, form a function comprising a first expression, which is a sum of products, each product comprising the power of a machine, energy storage unit, wind generator and/or solar panel times the individual efficiency of the machine, energy storage unit, wind generator and/or solar panel obtained from the corresponding current individual efficiency curve, determine a power demand of the system, optimise the function subject to the condition that the sum of powers of the machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels reach the power demand,determine desired set points of the machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels based on the optimisation and supply the set point to the machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels.