Rankine Cycle Local Generator Reactive Power Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems struggle to manage transient peak loads in industrial or commercial facilities without interrupting operations, as they rely on switching devices for reactive power control, which is inefficient and requires additional infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A power system utilizing a local generator with an organic or steam Rankine cycle, coupled with a turbine and flow control components, provides a custom level of active and reactive power by automatically adjusting the motive fluid flow to meet variable load conditions, eliminating the need for inductor or capacitor switching devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductor or capacitor switching devices are used to control reactive power, then reactive power can be partially balanced, but the system complexity increases and the control system becomes less simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reactive power control function from the mechanical switching devices (inductors and capacitors) and transfers it to the power storage system. The controller manages reactive power by controlling the charge and discharge cycles of the power storage device, eliminating the need for complex switching devices while maintaining reactive power balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching system (inductors and capacitors that require physical switching) with an electrical system based on power storage. The controller electronically manages reactive power flow by controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device, substituting mechanical switching with electronic control.
2Reliability
If a local generator with capacity greater than maximum anticipated power level is used, then spinning reserve is provided for peak loads, but the infrastructure requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power output adjustment in the local generator. Instead of operating at fixed capacity, the generator's output is dynamically controlled based on real-time load conditions. The controller adjusts the generator output to match actual demand, providing spinning reserve when needed while avoiding continuous operation at maximum capacity, thus reducing infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the local generator by introducing variable output control. The generator operates with adjustable power output levels rather than fixed capacity, allowing it to provide spinning reserve capability while operating at optimized power levels during different load conditions, thereby reducing the required infrastructure capacity.
3Reliability
If the generator capacity is increased to meet peak load demands, then uninterrupted operation during peak loads is ensured, but the economic viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sizing the local generator capacity to meet base load requirements rather than peak load requirements. The spinning reserve capability is achieved through dynamic control and power storage systems rather than through excessive generator capacity, providing uninterrupted operation during peak loads while improving economic viability by avoiding over-provisioning of generator capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flow control components are added to automatically adjust motive fluid flow, then the system can respond to variable load conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow control function with the existing turbine and generator system. The flow control component is integrated into the motive fluid pathway, and its operation is coordinated with the generator's power output control. This combining of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate, independent control systems for flow and power generation.
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 dynamically regulating active and reactive power, providing a spinning reserve that meets peak demands without affecting base load operations, improving economic viability and reducing infrastructure needs.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine module of an organic or steam Rankine cycle that is coupled to a generator
Implementation Method 2
motive fluid heated in said thermodynamic cycle
Implementation Method 3
a flow control component operatively connected to said main conduit for automatically limiting the flow of the motive fluid to said turbine module during base load conditions and for automatically increasing the flow of the motive fluid to said turbine module during variable load conditions
Implementation Method 4
a local generator connected to a turbine operating in accordance with an organic or steam Rankine cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A power system includes a Rankine cycle local generator having a capacity greater than a maximum anticipated power level. One or more control devices are operatively connected to the local generator for regulating active and reactive power generated by the generator. Detectors are provided to sense active and reactive voltages. The controller directs the control devices to regulate the generator such that the active power and reactive power are sufficient to satisfy the active and reactive load conditions.