Method and device for identifying a supersive adjusting method based on an average voltage variation

Abstract

An appropriate regulation method is identified based on an average voltage change between tapping steps of the voltage regulator. In response to the first tapping step index being different from a second tapping step index of a previous tapping operation, the electronic processor determines whether an average value of a first voltage change of a current tapping operation and a second voltage change of the previous tapping operation satisfies a voltage threshold. The electronic processor is configured to change a regulation direction of the voltage regulator when the average value satisfies a voltage threshold, and maintain the regulation direction of the voltage regulator when the average value does not satisfy the voltage threshold. The electronic processor is configured to provide adjustment settings to the voltage regulator corresponding to a current adjustment mode and an adjustment direction of the voltage regulator.

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,445, filed August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to voltage regulation in power distribution systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to identifying suitable regulation methods for voltage regulators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments provide a voltage regulator controller for controlling a voltage regulator in a power distribution system. The voltage regulator controller includes an electronic processor configured to: determine, in response to a first tap step index that is different from a second tap step index of a previous tap operation, whether the average value of a first voltage change in the current tap operation and a second voltage change in a previous tap operation meets a voltage threshold. In response to the first tap step index being different from the second tap step index of a previous tap operation, the electronic processor is further configured to: change the regulation direction of the voltage regulator when the average value meets the voltage threshold, and maintain the regulation direction of the voltage regulator when the average value does not meet the voltage threshold. The electronic processor is also configured to provide the voltage regulator with regulation settings corresponding to the current regulation mode and regulation direction of the voltage regulator.

[0004] In some respects, the first tap step index and the second tap step index indicate whether the corresponding tap step is even or odd. Every other tap step of the voltage regulator is marked as an odd tap step, and the remaining tap steps of the voltage regulator are marked as even tap steps.

[0005] In some respects, the electronic processor is configured to determine the direction of the power flow when the regulation direction is changed from the reverse direction to the forward direction. When the regulation direction is changed from the reverse direction to the forward direction, the electronic processor is also configured to provide a forward regulation mode setting to the voltage regulator when the power flow direction is forward, and a distributed generation mode setting to the voltage regulator when the power flow direction is reverse.

[0006] In some respects, the adjustment settings include one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: center voltage, voltage regulation bandwidth, line voltage drop compensation resistor, and line voltage drop compensation reactance.

[0007] In some respects, the voltage threshold is a first voltage threshold. The electronic processor is configured to: determine whether the difference between a first voltage change and a second voltage change satisfies the second voltage threshold in response to the first tap step index being the same as the second tap step index. The electronic processor is further configured to: change the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator when the difference satisfies the second voltage threshold. The electronic processor is further configured to: determine whether the average value satisfies the first voltage threshold when the difference does not satisfy the second voltage threshold. The electronic processor is further configured to: change the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator when the average value satisfies the first voltage threshold, and maintain the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator when the average value does not satisfy the first voltage threshold.

[0008] In some respects, the electronic processor is configured to switch the voltage measurement side of the voltage regulator when the regulation direction is changed.

[0009] Before providing a detailed explanation of any embodiment, it should be understood that the application of the embodiments is not limited to the details of the component configuration and arrangement set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof, is intended to cover items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “installation,” “connection,” “support,” and “coupling,” and variations thereof, are widely used and cover direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and coupling.

[0010] Additionally, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, and for the purposes of discussion, most components may be illustrated and described as being implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art, and based on this detailed description, will recognize that in at least one embodiment, the electronic aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium), which may be executed by one or more processing units (such as microprocessors and / or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”)). Therefore, it should be noted that this embodiment may be implemented using multiple hardware- and software-based devices and multiple different structural components. For example, “server,” “computing device,” “controller,” “processor,” etc., described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., system buses) for connecting components.

[0011] Related terms (such as, for example, "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc.) are used in relation to quantities or conditions that will be understood by a person skilled in the art to include the stated value and have a meaning specified in the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with measurement accuracy, the tolerance associated with a particular value [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.]). Such terms should also be considered to disclose a range defined by the absolute values ​​of two endpoints. For example, the statement "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses a range "from 2 to 4." Related terms may refer to a positive or negative percentage of the indicated value (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more).

[0012] It should be understood that although some of the accompanying figures illustrate the hardware and software located within a particular device, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. The functions performed by one component as described herein can be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functions performed by multiple components can be combined and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the illustrated components can be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing can be distributed among multiple electronic processors, rather than residing within and being performed by a single electronic processor. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components can reside on the same computing device or can be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Similarly, components described as performing specific functions can also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure "configured" in a certain way is configured at least in this manner, but can also be configured in a manner not explicitly listed.

[0013] Other aspects of this application will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figures 1A to 1C This is a block diagram of a power distribution system according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 2 According to some embodiments Figures 1A to 1C A block diagram of the voltage regulator controller and voltage regulator of the power distribution system.

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for identifying an appropriate regulation method for a voltage regulator, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for identifying an appropriate regulation method for a voltage regulator, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5BA flowchart of a method for identifying an appropriate regulation method for a voltage regulator, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0019] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A flowchart of a method for identifying an appropriate regulation method for a voltage regulator, according to some embodiments, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Before explaining any embodiment of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This application can be implemented or carried out in other embodiments and in various ways.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1C A simplified block diagram of an example embodiment of a power distribution system 100 is shown. In the example shown, the power distribution system 100 includes multiple power sources 110 (e.g., first power source 110A and second power source 110B), multiple distribution substations 120 (e.g., first distribution substation 120A and second distribution substation 120B), multiple loads 130, multiple voltage regulators 140 (e.g., first voltage regulator 140A and second voltage regulator 140B), and multiple distributed generators 150 (e.g., first distributed generator 150A and second distributed generator 150B). The multiple power sources 110 may include power plants that supply electricity for distribution to utility companies. The distribution substations 120 receive electricity generated by the power sources 110 and distribute the electricity to the multiple loads 130. The distribution substations 120 may receive high-voltage electricity and include transformers 160 (e.g., first transformer 160A and second transformer 160B) to convert the high voltage to a sufficiently low voltage for distribution. Transformer 160 may include a load tap changing (LTC) transformer or other types of transformer. Multiple loads 130 include, for example, residential, commercial, public, or similar facilities. Multiple distributed generators 150 may include local generators (e.g., solar panels or the like) for powering the loads 130. Excess electricity generated by the distributed generators 150 may be fed back into the grid.

[0022] Multiple voltage regulators 140 are disposed between multiple distributed generators 150 and multiple loads 130 to regulate power (e.g., voltage) and deliver power within appropriate voltage limits. The multiple voltage regulators 140 may be individually referred to as voltage regulator 140. Voltage regulator 140 may be a tap-changing regulator (e.g., a tap-step voltage regulator). In one example, voltage regulator 140 may include a transformer whose windings can be changed using tap-changing operations to increase or decrease the output voltage of voltage regulator 140. In another example, the tap-changing operation of voltage regulator 140 affects the impedance of voltage regulator 140, thereby increasing or decreasing the output voltage of voltage regulator 140. Voltage regulator controller 170 is provided with voltage regulator 140 for, for example, controlling the tap-changing operation of voltage regulator 140, controlling the operating mode of voltage regulator 140, displaying information related to voltage regulator 140, and / or similar operations.

[0023] Normally open load circuit breaker 180 can be installed between loads 130 in different substations 120. Typically, such as... Figure 1A As shown, power flows from each distribution substation 120 to loads 130 connected between the distribution substation 120 and the load circuit breaker 180 (e.g., under first operating conditions). For example, power from distribution substation 120A flows to loads 130A1 and 130A2, while power from distribution substation 120B flows to loads 130B1 and 130B2. Under normal operating conditions, the power flow through the voltage regulator 140 is in the positive direction (i.e., from...). Figure 1A (From left to right).

[0024] The load circuit breaker 180 can close during a fault condition of one of the distribution substations 120 to allow power from a different distribution substation 120 to supply power to the load 130 of the faulty distribution substation 120. For example, when distribution substation 120A fails, the load circuit breaker 180 can close to supply power to loads 130A1 and 130A2 using distribution substation 120B (e.g., a second operating condition). Figure 1B The second operating condition is shown. Under the second operating condition, the current flow through the first voltage regulator 140A is in the reverse direction (i.e., from...). Figure 1B (From right to left). Furthermore, during periods of light load, the distributed generator 150 can continue generating electricity. Under these conditions, the power flow on the voltage regulator 140 may decrease and eventually reverse. Figure 1C The operating conditions for this distributed generation (e.g., the third operating condition) are shown. Under these conditions, for example, the power flow through the first regulator 140A is in the reverse direction (i.e., from...). Figure 1C(From right to left). The voltage regulator 140 can operate using different regulation modes under each of the above-described operating conditions of the power distribution system 100. The voltage regulator controller 170 can determine the operating conditions of the power distribution system 100 and control the regulation mode of the voltage regulator 140.

[0025] The power distribution system 100 may include a ratio Figures 1A to 1C The configuration may be similar to or dissimilar to the one shown, with more or fewer components. For example, a single power source 110, a substation 120, and a voltage regulator 140 may be used to power a load 130, and the power distribution system 100 may not include a distributed generator 150.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of an example embodiment of voltage regulator controller 170 and voltage regulator 140. In the example shown, voltage regulator controller 170 includes electronic processor 210, memory 220, transceiver 230, and input / output interface 240. Electronic processor 210, memory 220, transceiver 230, and input / output interface 240 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., communication bus 250). Voltage regulator 140 may include... Figure 2 The components shown may have more or fewer components.

[0027] In some examples, electronic processor 210 is implemented as a microprocessor with a separate memory (such as memory 220). In other examples, electronic processor 210 may be implemented as a microcontroller (on the same chip as memory 220). In other examples, electronic processor 210 may be implemented using multiple processors. Additionally, electronic processor 210 may be implemented partially or wholly as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and similar devices, thus eliminating the need for memory 220 or allowing modification of memory 220. In the illustrated example, memory 220 includes non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions received and executed by electronic processor 210 to perform the functions of the voltage regulator controller 170 described herein. Memory 220 may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory and random access memory.

[0028] Transceiver 230 allows wired / wireless communication between voltage regulator controller 170 and external devices, such as monitoring equipment from a utility company or similar devices. Transceiver 230 also allows communication with and control of voltage regulator 140, for example, via a wired connection. In some examples, transceiver 230 includes separate transceiver and receiver components. Input / output interface 240 includes one or more input units (e.g., buttons, controls, or the like), one or more output units (e.g., displays, speakers, or the like), or a combination of input / output units (e.g., touchscreen displays or the like). Input / output interface 240 can also be connected to voltage regulator 140 to control the operation of voltage regulator 140.

[0029] Voltage regulator 140 may include winding 260 and tap 270 configured to move along winding 260. Winding 260 includes multiple tap positions where tap 270 may be connected to (or docked to) winding 260. In the example shown, winding 260 may include thirty-three (33) tap positions, including a neutral tap position, sixteen (16) positions for increasing voltage, and sixteen (16) positions for decreasing voltage. In other examples, winding 260 may include more or fewer positions depending on the desired configuration of distribution system 100. The position of tap 270 (referred to as tap position) is changed on the winding, for example, using a tap changer, to regulate the output voltage. The tap changer may be an actuator, such as a motor or the like, that can physically move the tap between different tap positions. Voltage regulator 140 is typically designed to regulate the output voltage between + / - 10% of the source voltage. In the United States, the required alternating current (AC) voltage for distribution system 100 is 120 volts. Therefore, voltage regulator 140 can regulate between 108 volts and 132 volts. Each tap position change in the thirty-three tap voltage regulator 140 can result in a change of approximately 0.75 volts on the regulated side. These tap position changes can be referred to as tap steps, resulting in 32 tap steps across the thirty-three tap positions. Therefore, each tap step results in a change of approximately 0.75 volts. Tap steps can be assigned an index. In one example, each tap step can be considered an even-numbered tap step or an odd-numbered tap step, where even and odd refer to the tap step index. Every other tap step in winding 260 can be considered an even-numbered tap step, and the remaining tap steps in winding 260 can be considered odd-numbered tap steps. For example, tap steps 1↔2, 3↔4, etc., can be considered even-numbered tap steps, while tap steps 2↔3, 4↔5, etc., can be considered odd-numbered tap steps. Regardless of whether the tap position movement is 1→2 or 2→1 (3→4 or 4→3, etc.), the tap step can be considered even. In other examples, different labels other than even or odd can be used to refer to the tap step index. The tap step index is used to determine whether two consecutive tap steps cause tap 270 to return to the same tap position (e.g., 1→2 then 2→1).

[0030] Voltage regulator 140 may include tap position encoder 280 (e.g., synchro indicator) to track tap position and provide tap position information to voltage regulator controller 170. In some examples, other known methods may be used to track tap position. Voltage regulator 140 may also include voltage sensor 290 for measuring the voltage on one or both of the source and load sides of the voltage regulator. Voltage sensor 290 may provide a voltage signal to voltage regulator controller 170 indicating the measured voltage. Although shown as being located in voltage regulator 140, tap position encoder 280 and voltage sensor 290 may also be located in voltage regulator controller 170.

[0031] Electricity can flow in either direction through the voltage regulator 140. When electricity flows from the source side to the load side, the power flow is in the forward direction. When electricity flows from the load side to the source side, the power flow is in the reverse direction. The voltage regulator 140 has multiple regulation modes, including, for example, a forward regulation mode, a reverse regulation mode, and a distributed generation regulation mode. In both the forward regulation mode and the distributed generation regulation mode, the regulation direction is forward. That is, in both the forward regulation mode and the distributed generation regulation mode, the voltage regulator 140 aims to maintain the load-side voltage at a desired level. In the reverse regulation mode, the regulation direction is reverse. That is, in the reverse regulation mode, the voltage regulator 140 aims to maintain the source-side voltage at a desired level. In the forward regulation mode, the power flow is in the forward direction. In the reverse regulation mode and the distributed generation regulation mode, the power flow is in the reverse direction.

[0032] Return to Figures 1A to 1C When the operating conditions of the power distribution system 100 change as described above, the regulation mode of the voltage regulator 140 may need to be switched. For example, the voltage regulator 140 may be switched to operate in three regulation modes based on the corresponding change in the operating conditions of the power distribution system 100: (i) positive regulation mode (e.g., Figure 1A (ii) Reverse adjustment mode (e.g.) Figure 1B ); and (iii) distributed generation modes (e.g., Figure 1C The direction of regulation can be different from the direction of power flow. For example, in distributed generation, the power flow is in the opposite direction (i.e., from...). Figure 1C (from right to left). However, in distributed generation mode, voltage regulator 140 is in the positive direction (i.e., from the right to the left). Figure 1C Adjustment is performed from left to right. In both forward and reverse adjustment modes, the direction of current flow and the direction of adjustment can be the same.

[0033] Return to Figure 2The voltage regulator controller 170 can automatically determine operating conditions to identify the appropriate regulation method to be used by the voltage regulator 140. Changes in operating conditions can be determined by detecting the voltage on the regulated side of the voltage regulator 140. For example, when the voltage regulator is in forward regulation mode (e.g., as...), Figure 1A As shown) the operation is performed and the operating conditions are switched to reverse adjustment mode (e.g., Figure 1B When the tap position changes (as shown), the change will not cause a voltage change on the regulated side of the voltage regulator 140. That is, the voltage sensor 290 can detect a voltage change of zero (0) volts or less than 0.7 volts on the load side of the voltage regulator 140. Therefore, to detect changes in operating conditions, the voltage change on the regulated side before and after the tap operation can be compared to a voltage change threshold (e.g., 0.7 volts). When the voltage change is below the voltage change threshold, the operating conditions are determined to have changed. However, due to practical considerations such as the lifespan of the voltage regulator 140 or its construction, the voltage change at each tap step can be as low as about 0.4 volts and as high as about 1.0 volts. Therefore, the above method may not be accurate or rapid enough in identifying the appropriate regulation method.

[0034] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 for automatically determining the appropriate regulation method for voltage regulator 140 is shown. Method 300 can be implemented using, for example, voltage regulator controller 170. It is not necessary to execute all blocks, and all blocks can be executed out of order. In the example shown, method 300 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the first tap step index (at block 310) of the current tap operation. A tap operation, or tap change operation, is a change in the tap position of voltage regulator 140 from a first position to a second position. The tap operation can be detected using tap position encoder 280. When a tap operation is detected, electronic processor 210 determines the tap step index of the tap operation. The tap step index can be determined in various ways. In one example, voltage regulator controller 170 stores a lookup table that associates each tap step with a corresponding index. Electronic processor 210 refers to the lookup table to determine the tap step index. In another example, the electronic processor 210 uses the following formula to determine the tap step index: Tap step = (Tap position + Previous tap position + X) / 2, where the tap position is the current tap position, and X is a constant calculated based on the total tap steps. For example, X = total tap steps - 1. Taking the thirty-two tap steps as described above as an example, the above formula becomes: Tap step = (Tap position + Previous tap position + 31) / 2. When the calculated tap steps are even, the tap step index is even. When the calculated tap steps are odd, the tap step index is odd.

[0035] Method 300 includes using an electronic processor 210 to determine whether a first tap index is the same as a second tap index of a previous tap operation (at block 320). The electronic processor 210 may use variables such as `tap_step_index` and `tap_step_index_prec` to track the tap step indices of the current tap step and previous tap steps. When the electronic processor 210 determines the tap step index of the current tap operation, it moves the value stored in `tap_step_index` to `tap_step_index_prec` and stores the tap step index of the current tap operation in `tap_step_index`. The electronic processor 210 may compare the tap step index of the current tap operation with the tap step index of the previous tap operation to determine whether the first tap index is the same as the second tap index. The electronic processor 210 thus determines whether the current tap operation is the same as the previous tap operation. For example, if the previous tap operation was tap step 1→2 and the current tap operation is tap step 2→1, then the current tap operation is the same as the previous tap operation. Previous tap operation refers to the tap operation that was performed immediately before (or prior to) the current tap operation.

[0036] In response to a first tap step index being different from a second tap step index (e.g., a condition being met), method 300 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the average of a first voltage change in the current tap operation and a second voltage change in previous tap operations meets a voltage threshold (at block 330). Voltage sensor 290 detects the voltage before and after each tap operation. The voltages before and after can be measured to determine the result of voltage regulation. In one example, regardless of the regulation mode, voltage sensor 290 always detects the voltage on the load side of voltage regulator 140. In another example, voltage sensor 290 always detects the voltage on the regulated side of voltage regulator 140. Electronic processor 210 determines the voltage change by determining the difference between the voltage measured immediately before the tap operation (e.g., the voltage that caused the tap operation) and the voltage measured after the tap operation (e.g., 1 second after the tap operation takes effect). Electronic processor 210 can use variables (e.g., volt_delta and volt_delta_prec) to track the voltage changes of the current tap step and previous tap steps. When electronic processor 210 determines the voltage change of the current tap operation, it moves the value stored in volt_delta to volt_delta_prec and stores the voltage change of the current tap operation in volt_delta. Electronic processor 210 averages the voltage change of the current tap operation with the voltage changes of previous tap operations and compares the average value with a voltage threshold (e.g., a first voltage threshold). This voltage threshold can be set to 0.7 volts. As mentioned above, the voltage change of each tap step can range from 0.4 to 1.0 volts due to various factors. However, the average value of two adjacent tap steps typically remains at 0.7 volts. Besides blocks 310 and 320, other methods can be used to determine whether the same tap step operation or different tap step operations are performed. For example, different conditions can be determined to be met before detecting the average voltage change of two tap step operations.

[0037] Method 300 includes: when the average value meets a voltage threshold, using electronic processor 210 to change the regulation direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 340). When the average value meets the voltage threshold, electronic processor 210 determines a change in the operating conditions of the power distribution system 100 and changes the regulation direction of voltage regulator 140. For example, when voltage regulator 140 is operating in a positive regulation mode with a positive regulation direction, electronic processor 210 switches the regulation mode to a reverse regulation mode with a reverse regulation direction. Method 300 includes: when the average value does not meet the voltage threshold, using electronic processor 210 to maintain the regulation direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 350). When the average value does not meet the voltage threshold, electronic processor 210 does not change the regulation direction of voltage regulator 140. Meeting the voltage threshold can include an average value equal to or greater than, greater than, equal to or less than, or less than the voltage threshold, depending on the settings selected by the user and the current regulation direction of voltage regulator 140, as further explained below in methods 500 and 600.

[0038] Method 300 includes providing the voltage regulator with adjustment settings (at block 360) corresponding to the current adjustment mode and direction of the voltage regulator using electronic processor 210. The adjustment settings for each adjustment mode can be selected by a user on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the voltage regulator controller 170 or on a connected display. Adjustment settings may include, for example, a center voltage (e.g., 120 volts), a voltage regulation bandwidth (e.g., 5 volts, 10 volts, etc.), line drop compensation resistors, line drop compensation reactances, and / or the like. Providing adjustment settings includes the voltage regulator controller 170 controlling the voltage regulator 140 using the adjustment settings selected by the user.

[0039] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example alternative method 400 for automatically determining the appropriate adjustment of the voltage regulator 140 when a first tap index is determined to be the same as a second tap index in block 320 is shown. In the example shown, method 400 includes: using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the difference between a first voltage change and a second voltage change satisfies a second voltage threshold (at block 410). When the current tap operation is the same as a previous tap operation, i.e., the tap step index of the current tap operation is the same as the tap step index of the previous tap operation, electronic processor 210 determines the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change. Electronic processor 210 compares the difference to a second voltage threshold (e.g., 0.7 volts or a value between 0.1 and 0.7 volts).

[0040] In response to a difference not meeting a second voltage threshold (e.g., a determination condition being met), method 400 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the average of the first voltage change and the second voltage change meets a voltage threshold (at block 420). When the difference meets the second voltage threshold or when the average meets the voltage threshold, method 400 includes using electronic processor 210 to change the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 430). Method 400 includes using electronic processor 210 to maintain the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 440) when the average does not meet the voltage threshold. Blocks 420, 430, and 440 may be implemented similarly to blocks 330, 340, and 350 of method 300 as described above. Electronic processor 210 may also provide corresponding adjustment settings to voltage regulator 140.

[0041] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A flowchart of an example method 500 for implementing methods 300 and 400 described above is shown. Method 500 can use different variables to track the voltage, including four variables for forward and reverse regulation, respectively. The variables include odd_sep_fwd (odd tap step in forward regulation), prev_odd_step_fwd (previous odd tap step in forward regulation), even_step_fwd (even tap step in forward regulation), prev_even_step_fwd (previous even tap step in forward regulation), odd_step_rev (odd tap step in reverse regulation), prev_odd_step_rev (previous odd tap step in reverse regulation), even_step_rev (even tap step in reverse regulation), and prev_even_step_rev (previous even tap step in reverse regulation). These variables can be initialized to default values ​​during system startup or system reset. In the thirty-two tap step voltage regulator example described above, the default values ​​of the variables are shown in Table 1 below.

[0042]

[0043] Table 1

[0044] The variables correspond to the adjustment direction and the tap step index. Each combination of adjustment direction and tap step index may include a first variable for storing the current voltage change during the tap operation and a second variable for storing the previous value of the first variable. For example, when the adjustment direction is positive and the tap step index is even, the first variable is even_step_fwd and the second variable is prev_even_step_fwd; when the adjustment direction is positive and the tap step index is odd, the first variable is odd_step_fwd and the second variable is prev_odd_step_fwd, and so on.

[0045] In the example shown, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the voltage change of a tap change operation (at block 502). Voltage sensor 290 measures the voltage and indicates the voltage value to electronic processor 210. Electronic processor 210 can determine a first voltage immediately preceding the tap change operation and a second voltage immediately following the tap change operation. In a preferred example, the second voltage is determined one second after the tap change operation. The voltage change of the tap change operation is the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The voltage change can be determined as the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The tap change operation may include one tap step or two tap steps. This tap change operation is the current tap change operation.

[0046] Method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the tap step index of the tap operation (at block 504). The tap step index can be determined as described in block 310 of method 300. Method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the tap operation is the same as a previous tap operation (at block 506). Block 506 can be implemented similarly to that described in block 320 of method 300.

[0047] When the tap change operation differs from a previous tap change operation, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 508). Electronic processor 210 can internally track the current adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140. The adjustment direction can be forward or reverse. When the adjustment direction is forward, method 500 includes determining whether the tap step index is even or odd (at block 510). As described above, electronic processor 210 determines the tap step index at block 504. When the tap step index is odd, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., odd_step_fwd) corresponding to forward adjustment and odd tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_odd_step_fwd) corresponding to forward adjustment and odd tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to forward adjustment and odd tap step index (at block 512). When the tap step index is even, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., even_step_fwd) corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index to a second value (e.g., prec_even_step_fwd) corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index (at block 514). The voltage change of the tap step is calculated at block 502.

[0048] Following blocks 512 and 514, method 500 includes using an electronic processor to determine a first average value of a first variable corresponding to the positive direction (at block 516). For example, electronic processor 210 determines the average value of the values ​​stored in even_step_fwd and odd_step_fwd as the first average value. After determining the first average value, method 500 uses the electronic processor to determine whether the first average value is below a voltage threshold (at block 518). For the thirty-two tap step voltage regulator 140 as described above, the average threshold value can be set to 0.7 volts.

[0049] When the adjustment direction is reverse adjustment, method 500 includes determining whether the tap step index is even or odd (at block 520). As described above, at block 504, electronic processor 210 determines the tap step index of the tap operation. When the tap step index is odd, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., odd_step_rev) corresponding to reverse adjustment and odd tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_odd_step_rev) corresponding to reverse adjustment and odd tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to reverse adjustment and odd tap step index (at block 522). When the tap step is even, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., even_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_even_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index (at block 524). The voltage change of the tap operation is calculated at block 502.

[0050] Following blocks 522 and 524, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine a second average value of a first variable corresponding to the reverse direction (at block 526). For example, electronic processor 210 determines the average of the values ​​stored in even_step_rev and odd_step_rev as the second average value. After determining the second average value, method 500 uses the electronic processor to determine whether the second average value is higher than a voltage threshold (at block 528). For the thirty-two tap step voltage regulator 140 as described above, the average threshold value can be set to 0.7 volts.

[0051] When the first average value is below a voltage threshold or when the second average value is above a voltage threshold, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to maintain the current regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 530). When the first average value is below a voltage threshold or when the second average value is above a voltage threshold, voltage regulator controller 170 takes no action.

[0052] When the current tap operation is the same as the previous tap operation, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change (at block 532) (see Figure 5BWhen the current tap operation is the same as the previous tap operation, i.e., the tap step index of the current tap operation is the same as the tap step index of the previous tap operation, the electronic processor 210 determines the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change. For example, depending on the tap step index and the adjustment direction, the electronic processor 210 calculates the difference between even_step_fwd and prec_even_step_fwd, the difference between even_step_rev and prec_even_step_rev, the difference between odd_step_fwd and prec_odd_step_fwd, or the difference between odd_step_rev and prec_odd_step_rev.

[0053] Method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the difference is greater than a second voltage threshold (at block 534). Electronic processor 210 compares the difference to the second voltage threshold (e.g., 0.7 volts or a value between 0.1 and 0.7 volts). In some examples, voltage regulator controller 170 may receive input to set the second voltage threshold to a different value. For example, voltage regulator controller 170 receives input to set the second voltage threshold to a value between 0.1 and 0.7 volts.

[0054] When the difference is not greater than the second voltage threshold, method 500 returns to block 508. When the difference is greater than the second voltage threshold, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 536). Electronic processor 210 can internally track the current adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140. The adjustment direction can be positive or negative.

[0055] When the adjustment direction, as defined in block 536, is reverse adjustment, or when the second average value is above a voltage threshold, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 to the forward direction (at block 538). Electronic processor 210 provides input to voltage regulator 140 for switching the adjustment mode.

[0056] In response to switching the adjustment direction to the forward direction, method 500 includes resetting the first and second variables for the reverse direction (at box 540) using electronic processor 210. Electronic processor 210 resets the variables even_step_rev, prev_even_step_rev, odd_step_rev, and prev_odd_step_rev to their default values ​​as shown in Table 1.

[0057] In response to switching the regulation direction to the positive direction, method 500 also includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the power flow is in the positive direction (at block 542). Voltage regulator controller 170 can internally track the direction of the power flow. Figures 1A to 1C As shown, during normal operation (e.g., Figure 1A The power flow can be in the positive direction, and during fault or distributed generation conditions (e.g., Figure 1B and Figure 1C The electric current can be in the opposite direction.

[0058] When the power flow is in the forward direction, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to select a forward setting for the regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 544). When the power flow is in the reverse direction, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to select a distributed generation setting for the regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 546).

[0059] When the adjustment direction, as defined in block 532, is positive, or when the first average value is below a threshold, method 500 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 to the reverse direction (in block 548). Electronic processor 210 provides input to voltage regulator 140 for switching the adjustment mode.

[0060] In response to switching the adjustment direction to the reverse direction, method 500 includes resetting the first and second variables for the forward direction using electronic processor 210 (at box 550). Electronic processor 210 resets the variables even_step_fwd, prev_even_step_fwd, odd_step_fwd, and prev_odd_step_fwd to their default values ​​as shown in Table 1. In response to switching the adjustment direction to the reverse direction, method 500 also includes selecting a reverse setting for the adjustment mode of voltage regulator 140 using electronic processor 210 (at box 552).

[0061] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A flowchart of an example method 600 for implementing methods 300 and 400 described above is shown. Method 600 can be similar to method 500, where the same steps are represented by the same numbers. Method 600 can use different variables (similar to method 500) to maintain voltage tracking, including four variables for forward and reverse regulation, respectively. These variables can be initialized to default values ​​upon system startup or system reset. In the thirty-two tap-step voltage regulator example described above, the default values ​​of the variables are shown in Table 2 below.

[0062]

[0063] Table 2

[0064] In the example shown, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the voltage change of the tap operation (at block 502). Method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the tap step index of the tap operation (at block 504). Method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the tap operation is the same as a previous tap operation (at block 506). Block 506 may be implemented similarly to that described with respect to block 320 of method 300.

[0065] When the tap operation differs from a previous tap operation, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 508). When the adjustment direction is positive adjustment, method 600 includes determining whether the tap step index is even or odd (at block 510). When the tap step index is odd, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., odd_step_fwd) corresponding to positive adjustment and odd tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_odd_step_fwd) corresponding to positive adjustment and odd tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to positive adjustment and odd tap step index (at block 512). When the tap step index is even, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., even_step_fwd) corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index to a second value (e.g., prec_even_step_fwd) corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to the positive adjustment and even tap step index (at block 514).

[0066] Following blocks 512 and 514, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine a first average value of a first variable corresponding to the forward direction (at block 516). After determining the first average value, method 600 uses electronic processor to determine whether the first average value is below a voltage threshold (at block 518). When the adjustment direction is reverse adjustment, method 600 includes determining whether the tap step index is even or odd (at block 520). When the tap step index is odd, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in the first variable (e.g., odd_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and odd tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_odd_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and odd tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to the reverse adjustment and odd tap step index (at block 522). When the tap step is even, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to move the value stored in a first variable (e.g., even_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index to a second variable (e.g., prec_even_step_rev) corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index, and storing the voltage change in the first variable corresponding to the reverse adjustment and even tap step index (at block 524).

[0067] Following boxes 522 and 524, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine a second average value of a first variable corresponding to the reverse direction (at box 526). After determining the second average value, method 600 uses electronic processor to determine whether the second average value is below a voltage threshold (at box 602).

[0068] When the first average value is below a voltage threshold or when the second average value is below a voltage threshold, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to maintain the current regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 530). When the current tap operation is the same as the previous tap operation, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change (at block 532) (see...). Figure 6B ).

[0069] Method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the difference is greater than a second voltage threshold (at block 534). When the difference is not greater than the second voltage threshold, method 600 returns to block 508. When the difference is greater than the second voltage threshold, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to determine the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 (at block 536).

[0070] When the adjustment direction, as defined in block 536, is reversed, or when the second average value is below a voltage threshold, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 to the positive direction (at block 538). In response to switching the adjustment direction to the positive direction, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch voltage detection to the load side of voltage regulator 140 (at block 604). Voltage regulator controller 170 controls voltage sensor 290 to measure the voltage on the load side for use in the next iteration of method 600.

[0071] In response to switching the adjustment direction to the positive direction, method 600 also includes using electronic processor 210 to reset the first and second variables for the reverse direction (at box 540). Electronic processor 210 resets the variables even_step_rev, prev_even_step_rev, odd_step_rev, and prev_odd_step_rev to their default values ​​as shown in Table 2. In response to switching the adjustment direction to the positive direction, method 600 also includes using electronic processor 210 to determine whether the power flow is in the positive direction (at box 542).

[0072] When the power flow is in the forward direction, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to select a forward setting for the regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 544). When the power flow is in the reverse direction, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to select a distributed generation setting for the regulation mode of voltage regulator 140 (at block 546).

[0073] When the adjustment direction, as defined in block 532, is positive, or when the first average value is below a threshold, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch the adjustment direction of voltage regulator 140 to the reverse direction (at block 548). In response to switching the adjustment direction to the positive direction, method 600 includes using electronic processor 210 to switch voltage detection to the source side of voltage regulator 140 (at block 606). Voltage regulator controller 170 controls voltage sensor 290 to measure the voltage on the source side for use in the next iteration of method 600.

[0074] In response to switching the adjustment direction to the reverse direction, method 300 includes resetting the first and second variables for the forward direction using electronic processor 210 (at box 550). Electronic processor 210 resets the variables even_step_fwd, prev_even_step_fwd, odd_step_fwd, and prev_odd_step_fwd to their default values ​​as shown in Table 2. In response to switching the adjustment direction to the reverse direction, method 300 also includes selecting a reverse setting for the adjustment mode of voltage regulator 140 using electronic processor 210 (at box 552).

[0075] Therefore, the aspects described herein provide, among other things, a method and apparatus for determining an appropriate regulation method based on the average voltage change between tap steps of a voltage regulator. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A voltage regulator controller for controlling a voltage regulator in a power distribution system, the voltage regulator controller comprising: An electronic processor, the electronic processor being configured to: In response to the condition being met: Determine whether the average of the first voltage change in the current tap operation and the second voltage change in the previous tap operation meets the voltage threshold. When the average value meets the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the average value does not meet the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is maintained; as well as Provide the voltage regulator with adjustment settings corresponding to the current adjustment mode and adjustment direction of the voltage regulator.

2. The voltage regulator controller according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to: When the adjustment direction changes from the reverse direction to the forward direction: Determine the direction of electric current; When the power flow direction is positive, a positive regulation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator; and When the power flow direction is reversed, a distributed generation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator.

3. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment settings include one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: center voltage, voltage regulation bandwidth, line voltage drop compensation resistor, and line voltage drop compensation reactance.

4. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to: In response to the fact that the first tap step index of the current tap operation is different from the second tap step index of the previous tap operation, it is determined that the condition is met.

5. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The voltage threshold is a first voltage threshold, wherein the electronic processor is configured to: In response to the first tap step index of the current tap operation being the same as the second tap step index of the previous tap operation: Determine whether the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change meets the second voltage threshold. When the difference meets the second voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the difference does not meet the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the condition is met.

6. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein, The first tap step index and the second tap step index indicate whether the corresponding tap step is even or odd, wherein every other tap step of the voltage regulator is marked as an odd tap step, and the remaining tap steps of the voltage regulator are marked as even tap steps.

7. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to: When the adjustment direction is changed, the voltage measurement side of the voltage regulator is switched.

8. A method for controlling a voltage regulator in a power distribution system, the method comprising: In response to the condition being met: Determine whether the average of the first voltage change in the current tap operation and the second voltage change in the previous tap operation meets the voltage threshold. When the average value meets the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the average value does not meet the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is maintained; as well as Provide the voltage regulator with adjustment settings corresponding to the current adjustment mode and adjustment direction of the voltage regulator.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: When the adjustment direction changes from the reverse direction to the forward direction: Determine the direction of electric current; When the power flow direction is positive, a positive regulation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator; and When the power flow direction is reversed, a distributed generation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, The adjustment settings include one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: center voltage, voltage regulation bandwidth, line voltage drop compensation resistor, and line voltage drop compensation reactance.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: In response to the fact that the first tap step index of the current tap operation is different from the second tap step index of the previous tap operation, it is determined that the condition is met.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The voltage threshold is a first voltage threshold, and the method further includes: In response to the first tap step index of the current tap operation being the same as the second tap step index of the previous tap operation: Determine whether the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change meets the second voltage threshold. When the difference meets the second voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the difference does not meet the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the condition is met.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein, The first tap step index and the second tap step index indicate whether the corresponding tap step is even or odd, wherein every other tap step of the voltage regulator is marked as an odd tap step, and the remaining tap steps of the voltage regulator are marked as even tap steps.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising: When the adjustment direction is changed, the voltage measurement side of the voltage regulator is switched.

15. A voltage regulator controller for controlling a voltage regulator in a power distribution system, the voltage regulator controller comprising: An electronic processor, the electronic processor being configured to: In response to the first tap step index of the current tap operation being different from the second tap step index of the previous tap operation: Determine whether the average of the first voltage change of the current tap operation and the second voltage change of the previous tap operation meets a voltage threshold. When the average value meets the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the average value does not meet the voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is maintained.

16. The voltage regulator controller according to claim 15, wherein, The first tap step index and the second tap step index indicate whether the corresponding tap step is even or odd, wherein every other tap step of the voltage regulator is marked as an odd tap step, and the remaining tap steps of the voltage regulator are marked as even tap steps.

17. The voltage regulator controller according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to: When the adjustment direction changes from the reverse direction to the forward direction: Determine the direction of electric current; When the power flow direction is positive, a positive regulation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator; and When the power flow direction is reversed, a distributed generation mode setting is provided to the voltage regulator.

18. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to provide regulation settings to the voltage regulator, the regulation settings including one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: center voltage, voltage regulation bandwidth, line voltage drop compensation resistor, and line voltage drop compensation reactance.

19. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The voltage threshold is a first voltage threshold, wherein the electronic processor is configured to: In response to the first tap step index being the same as the second tap step index: Determine whether the difference between the first voltage change and the second voltage change meets the second voltage threshold. When the difference meets the second voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the difference does not meet the second voltage threshold: Determine whether the average value meets the first voltage threshold. When the average value meets the first voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is changed, and When the average value does not meet the first voltage threshold, the adjustment direction of the voltage regulator is maintained.

20. The voltage regulator controller according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The electronic processor is configured to: When the adjustment direction is changed, the voltage measurement side of the voltage regulator is switched.

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