Torque Sharing for Parallel Generator Overload Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Parallel generators face challenges in minimizing power failures due to overload conditions, particularly when mechanical loads disrupt the balance between generators, leading to potential faults or failures.

Innovation Solution

A torque sharing system is implemented, where sensors detect mechanical torque and a controller calculates and allocates the total torque between generators based on their ratings, ensuring balanced distribution and preventing overload by adjusting engine speed and fuel supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple smaller generators are used in parallel instead of one larger generator, then flexibility in placement and system redundancy are improved, but the risk of overload conditions and power failures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in placementVSAvoidpower failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the torque and load distribution across all parallel generators using sensors and controllers. When an imbalance or overload condition is detected on any generator, the control system automatically adjusts the mechanical load distribution in real-time, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains reliable operation while preserving the flexibility benefits of multiple smaller generators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of each generator by adjusting mechanical load distribution through torque transfer mechanisms. By modifying the torque parameters on individual generators based on their capacity and current load, the system prevents overload conditions while maintaining the advantageous flexibility of having multiple smaller units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical load is placed on one generator in a parallel system, then that generator can handle mechanical loads, but electrical power sharing balance is disrupted leading to potential overload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical load handling capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power sharing balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a torque transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the mechanical load and the generators. This intermediary component allows mechanical loads to be applied to one generator while automatically transferring or redistributing the torque to maintain electrical power sharing balance across all generators, preventing overload conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the mechanical load distribution across generators in real-time based on their electrical load conditions and capacity. By making the torque distribution dynamic rather than static, the system can accommodate mechanical loads on specific generators while automatically maintaining electrical power sharing balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9154067B2Torque sharing on paralleled generators

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 DISCOVERY ENERGY LLC

AI summary

Torque is balanced among generators in a system of parallel generators. Control of the generators may be performed by one or more individual generator controllers or by a centralized controller. The torque on two or more generators is detected. The controller calculates a torque target based on the torque on the two generators or other operating characteristics of the system. The operation of at least one of the generators is controlled based on the torque target.