Mode-based output synchronization using relays and a common time source
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for phase alignment of a power conversion unit of distributed energy resource, comprising:
- receiving timing signal from an external common time source;
receiving a signal from an external controller that a distributed energy resource (DER) is in a grid-connected state in which the output of one or more power conversion units of the DER are providing power to a power grid;
determining a phase angle of power on the power grid;
adjusting, while in the grid-connected state, a phase angle of the one or more power conversion units within the DER to correspond to the determined phase angle of the power on the power grid;
receiving a signal from an external controller that the DER is in an islanded state in which the DER is no longer electrically connected to the power grid; and
maintaining, while in the islanded state, the phase angle of the one or more power conversion units within the DER based on the received timing signal from the external common time source.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for selectively synchronizing one or more power conversion units of one or more distributed energy resources with a common time source when in an islanded state and with a measured phase angle of a grid when in a grid-connected state. In various embodiments, detecting whether the distributed energy resource is in a grid-connected state or an islanded state comprises microprocessor based analysis of measurement and monitoring data collected by intelligent electronic devices associated with the grid.
143 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A method for phase alignment of a power conversion unit of distributed energy resource, comprising:
-
receiving timing signal from an external common time source; receiving a signal from an external controller that a distributed energy resource (DER) is in a grid-connected state in which the output of one or more power conversion units of the DER are providing power to a power grid; determining a phase angle of power on the power grid; adjusting, while in the grid-connected state, a phase angle of the one or more power conversion units within the DER to correspond to the determined phase angle of the power on the power grid; receiving a signal from an external controller that the DER is in an islanded state in which the DER is no longer electrically connected to the power grid; and maintaining, while in the islanded state, the phase angle of the one or more power conversion units within the DER based on the received timing signal from the external common time source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A controller for a power system comprising:
-
at least one communication port to receive monitoring information from at least one intelligent electronic device (IED) monitoring at least one electrical component associated with at least one of a microgrid and a macrogrid; a state determination subsystem to determine, based on received monitoring information from the IED, periods during which a distributed energy resource (DER) of the microgrid is connected to the macrogrid in a grid-connected state and periods during which the DER is disconnected from the macrogrid in an islanded state; and a phase angle control system to indicate that a common time source should be used to maintain a phase angle of an output of a power conversion unit of the DER based on determination that the DER is in the islanded state. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A system comprising:
-
a plurality of distributed energy resources (DERs) selectively connected to a macrogrid, wherein each of the plurality of DERs comprises; a power conversion unit to convert power from one of a DC source and an AC source into output AC power for connection of the DER to the macrogrid; a phase angle adjuster to adjust the phase angle of the output AC power; and a common time source receiver to receive a common time source signal; a plurality of IEDs configured to monitor at least a phase angle of the macrogrid and a connection state of each DER with the macrogrid; and a DER controller in communication with each of the plurality of DERs, the DER controller configured to; identify a status of each DER as one of (i) grid-connected, in which the DER is connected to the macrogrid, or (ii) islanded, in which the DER is disconnected from the macrogrid; and direct the phase angle adjuster of each DER to synchronize the phase angle of output AC power with the phase angle of the macrogrid when the DER is grid-connected, and direct the phase angle adjuster of each DER to synchronize the phase angle of output AC power using the common time source signal when the DER is islanded. - View Dependent Claims (12)
-
-
13. A system comprising:
-
a power conversion unit for a distributed energy resource (DER) to convert power from one of a DC source and an AC source into output AC power for connection of the DER to a power grid; a phase angle adjuster to adjust the phase angle of the output AC power; a DER state identifier to receive an indication that the DER is in one of (i) a grid-connected state in which the DER is connected to the power grid, or (ii) in an islanded state in which the DER is disconnected from at least a portion of the power grid; and phase alignment controller in communication with the phase angle adjuster to cause the phase angle adjuster to adjust the phase angle of the output AC power based on; a measured value from the power grid in a grid-connected state, and a common time source signal in an islanded state. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification