Power System Reactive Power Control via Electronic Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems struggle to manage transient peak loads in industrial or commercial facilities without terminating machine operations, as they rely on switching inductors or capacitor banks for reactive power control, which is inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A power system utilizing a local generator with a capacity greater than the maximum anticipated load, coupled with a turbine operating in an organic or steam Rankine cycle, and a controller that regulates both active and reactive power through sensors and flow control components to provide a custom level of electrical power, including a fast-acting spinning reserve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductors or capacitor banks are switched to control reactive power, then reactive power balance is achieved, but system complexity and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching devices (inductors and capacitor banks) with an electronic power conversion system. The power conversion circuitry converts rectified DC power to AC power with controlled phase relationship, enabling reactive power control without mechanical switches. This substitution eliminates the complexity and reliability issues associated with switching devices while maintaining reactive power balance capability.
2Reliability
If generator capacity is increased to meet peak load requirements, then uninterrupted operation is ensured, but base load efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by using power conversion circuitry to adjust the phase relationship between voltage and current in real-time. This allows the system to optimize generator operation at varying load conditions, maintaining high efficiency across the operating range while ensuring capacity to meet peak demands. The dynamic control enables the generator to operate more efficiently than static capacitor switching methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (phase angle, frequency, amplitude) of the power output through electronic control. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the operating point of the generator to maintain high efficiency while having the capacity to meet peak loads. This parameter control replaces the need to size the generator for peak load only, improving overall energy utilization.
3Reliability
If reactive power is supplied continuously to maintain electromagnetic fields, then machine operation is sustained, but energy consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through sensors that detect voltage and current parameters, and a control system that adjusts power conversion circuitry output based on actual load conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to supply reactive power only when needed, reducing energy waste during idle or light-load periods while ensuring continuous machine operation when required.
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 ensures uninterrupted operation by efficiently managing both active and reactive power, providing a simpler control system that does not rely on inductor or capacitor switching, and maintaining a lower output without affecting geothermal production well flow, thus supporting variable load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine operating in accordance with an organic or steam Rankine cycle
Implementation Method 2
motive fluid heated in said thermodynamic cycle is delivered to said turbine module
Implementation Method 3
said local generator having a capacity at least greater than a maximum anticipated power level needed for the electrical needs
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for delivering a custom level of electrical power to an industrial or commercial facility includes a local generator connected to a turbine operating in accordance with an organic Rankine or steam Rankine cycle. The local generator has a capacity at least greater than a maximum anticipated power level needed for the electrical needs of a local industrial or commercial facility. One or more control devices are operatively connected to the local generator for regulating active and reactive power generated by the generator. A controller directs the one or more control devices to regulate the generator such that the active power and reactive power generated by the generator are sufficient to satisfy active and reactive load conditions of local industrial or commercial facilities. Also, a flow control component is operatively connected to the main conduit for automatically limiting the flow of the motive fluid to the turbine module during base load conditions and for automatically increasing the flow of the motive fluid to the turbine module during variable load conditions.