Anti-islanding detection module for grid-tied inverters
This technology is a control circuit for distributed power generators—such as solar inverters or wind turbines—that connects to the utility grid. It solves a safety problem called 'islanding,' where a local generator keeps running and energizing a section of the grid even after the utility has cut power, which can injure utility workers and damage equipment. The circuit works by intentionally introducing a small, periodic wobble into the frequency-tracking loop of the power converter. When the grid is present, this wobble is harmlessly suppressed by the grid's dominant signal; when the grid disconnects, the wobble causes the local generator's frequency to drift away rapidly, triggering a detectable fault condition. The result is faster, more reliable islanding detection without the blind spots ('non-detection zones') that plague conventional methods.
What you could build
A licensed control algorithm or hardware module embedded in grid-tied solar inverters, wind turbine converters, or battery storage systems to meet anti-islanding safety standards; primary buyers would be inverter OEMs and power electronics manufacturers seeking IEEE 1547 or UL 1741 compliance.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based solar developers, data center backup power integrators, and defense installation microgrid operators would benefit; Dominion Energy's distributed generation interconnection program creates a regional compliance driver.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Dong Dong, Dushan Boroyevich, Paolo Mattavelli
- Granted
- April 25, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9634673
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.