Patent ID: 8994200
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: F03D,F05B,H02J,H02P,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A power generation system comprising: a power generation unit responsive to a variable energy source, the power generation unit operable to supply electrical power to an utility system by way of a first circuit path including a power converter; a synchronous machine coupled to the utility system by way of a second circuit path not including a power converter, the first circuit path and the second circuit path comprising a parallel circuit connection for the power generation unit and for the synchronous machine to the utility system, the synchronous machine having an inertial response to transient conditions in the utility system, the inertial response of the synchronous machine effective to utilize rotational kinetic energy in the synchronous machine for stabilizing the transient conditions; a grid measurement device arranged for measuring a current and a power that are exchanged during the transient conditions of the utility system between the synchronous machine and the utility system in accordance with the inertial response of the synchronous machine, the power and the current exchanged between the synchronous machine and the utility system by way of the second circuit path; a controller communicatively coupled to the grid measurement device and to the synchronous machine, the controller adapted for adjusting an output power of the power generation unit as a function of the exchanged power and current measured by the grid measurement device during the transient conditions of the utility system; and a means of communication between the grid measurement device, controller and/or the power generation unit, wherein the power generation unit is configured to supply an amount of current and power to the utility system by way of the first circuit path, the amount of current and power being supplied by the power generation unit to the utility system as a function of the power and the current that are exchanged during the transient conditions between the synchronous machine and the utility system, wherein the amount of current and power being supplied to the utility system by the power generation unit in combination with the exchanged power and current between the synchronous machine and the utility effective for reducing frequency deviation or power swings that occur during the transient conditions of the utility system.