Operating simulator device for single-phase voltage regulators, control module and system for simulating a regulator device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating simulator device for single-phase voltage regulators connected to a power distribution network with automatic operating counter pulse generation and polyphase capability, a control module and a system for simulating regulator devices. The invention creates a safe and controlled environment for testing and operating the controllers of the regulators by reproducing the single device of a single-phase regulator transformer operation. The device, based on the simulation of the electrical network, is able to respond to the control signals of the controllers and simulate the voltage, current and counter pulses of the regulator transformer, among others. The device allows the joint operation of polyphase simulations, with communication between the multiple simulators via the CAN protocol, to allow advanced testing of the regulators in star, and delta connection operating in groups of a multi-phase network, with controllers in master-slave and master-follow modes. Verification and training of the controllers is provided, aiming to maintain the voltage within pre-established limits under variable conditions of load, generation or impedance of the line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for simulating the operation of a multi-phase voltage regulator based on command signals sent from an electronic controller to a voltage regulator and computer simulation of the regulator device connected to a power distribution line, using a voltage simulator device, the current and function of a single-phase voltage regulator transformer, and other parameters. This invention belongs to the fields of electrical engineering, power distribution networks, and simulation and modeling technologies. Background Technology

[0002] Medium-voltage voltage regulators are used in alternating current (AC) power distribution systems to measure, control, and regulate the voltage of these networks in the face of load and / or power supply fluctuations, regardless of the direction (direct or reverse) of power flow in the distribution lines. As described in US 2677810A, single-phase voltage regulator transformers are used in place of three-phase regulators and are designed to maintain voltage across loads in distribution lines at critical points or in regulated substations. A voltage regulator transformer is essentially an autotransformer with the ability to increase or decrease the voltage of a system by changing the physical connection (tap) between its windings, which is done via a load tap changer.

[0003] The voltage regulator device has a primary excitation winding and a secondary regulating winding consisting of a set of taps in a common electromagnetic core. Voltage changes are obtained by changing the position of the tap contacts via a load switching mechanism.

[0004] As described in US 4419619A, microprocessor-based electronic control is used for automatic voltage regulation operations. This microprocessor-based electronic control provides parameterization, data acquisition, analysis, and control of the system's output voltage. The primary function of a voltage regulator controller device or voltage regulator relay is to determine the tap position of the tap changer mechanism of a single-phase voltage regulator transformer, thereby aiming to maintain the voltage at the consumer within selected limits, monitor line parameters, and activate the load tap changer.

[0005] Given the various operating conditions of power distribution lines, the proper operation of voltage regulators is directly linked to the correct operation and parameterization of the voltage regulator controller. Therefore, it is clearly important to have a controlled environment for the testing and operation of the controller, especially given the explosive nature and risks associated with voltage regulator devices, which could result in operator death or personal injury and equipment damage.

[0006] In response to voltage variations in power distribution networks, the testing and operation of voltage regulator controllers involve interactions between the device and the voltage, current, and functionality of the voltage regulator unit. These variations can be caused by changes in the characteristics of the distribution network, load and / or generation fluctuations, and changes in the direction of power flow in the distribution lines.

[0007] The following documents addressing this topic were found during a search of existing technologies:

[0008] Documents such as CN104091482B, JP5444131B2, and CN111709107B relate to training and simulation systems for the operation and maintenance of distribution networks: intelligent, with bidirectional power flow, and with large inserts of power electronic devices, respectively. The proposed solutions do not specifically address the interaction between these networks and voltage regulator devices, nor do they functionally interact with the regulators.

[0009] Documents such as US7415377B2 and US7180297B2 relate to programmable systems and apparatuses for testing relays and control systems. Test apparatuses include multiple generator components that are fixedly or removably coupled, a CPU to facilitate the generation of test signals using the signal generator, and an amplifier to amplify the signals generated by the signal generator. The proposed solutions are general and used in the testing of protective relays; however, although they simulate voltage and current signals, they do not specifically address the interaction between the distribution network and the voltage regulator device, nor can they functionally interact with the regulator.

[0010] An alternative for testing and operating voltage regulator controllers is to use pilot facilities or controlled microgrids, which can be scaled down and have one or more connected voltage regulator units. This test system will allow for changes in the characteristics and impedance of the distribution network, load and generation fluctuations, and changes in the direction of power flow in the distribution lines connected to the voltage regulator. This is a complex approach because it involves several components of the distribution system simultaneously; it requires controllability of loads, generators, and other network components; the high cost of purchasing, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure; and the necessary physical space. Furthermore, it introduces the risk of load operation of the voltage regulator and other system components.

[0011] Therefore, given the prior art mentioned, no documentation has been found that anticipates or suggests teachings for a system or apparatus that simulates the interaction between a voltage regulator and a distribution network, simulates the analog electrical quantity and functionality of the voltage regulator, and also communicates and interacts with a voltage regulator controller, thereby allowing the operation and testing of the controller without having to connect the voltage regulator to the distribution line. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention aims to provide a programmable system for testing a voltage regulator controller using a simulator device that connects to a multiphase-operating single-phase voltage regulator connected to a power distribution network. For different configurations or operating modes of the power distribution network, the simulation signal is based on the results of dynamic simulation in the phasor domain. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the basic components constituting a system for testing using the proposed device is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 An example is shown of the equivalent circuit of a phase of a distribution line with a single-phase voltage regulator transformer.

[0015] Figure 3 A connection diagram for multiphase group operation using two voltage regulator transformer simulators is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 A connection diagram for multiphase group operation using a three-voltage regulator transformer simulator is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention relates to a device for simulating the operation of a single-phase voltage regulator connected to a power distribution network. The physical device provides an interactive platform for testing and operating the electronic controller of the voltage regulator (12).

[0018] This simulation technology is based on equipment capable of simulating all signals generated by an operating single-phase voltage regulator transformer in single-phase or multi-phase (bank) configurations. The simulated signals are then based on a computer simulation of the distribution network in which the voltage regulator is used. In this way, the control and operation of the voltage regulating transformer can be evaluated quickly, simply, and safely in the face of changes in distribution network characteristics, load and / or generation fluctuations, and changes in the direction of power flow in the lines.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a programmable system for testing a voltage regulator control device (12) by means of a simulator device for a voltage regulator (11) operating via a power distribution line. The simulated signals reflect the results of a simulation of a power distribution network programmed via dedicated software in an external device (13) containing the application (PC, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, etc.).

[0020] Figure 1 The system presented here provides a controlled and safe means of testing and operating a single-phase voltage regulator (12) with microcontroller electronics. The device (12) is designed to maintain the network voltage within pre-established limits by continuously monitoring the parameters of the distribution line and activating the load tap changer of the voltage regulator. Therefore, the controller (12) provides parameterization, data acquisition, analysis, and control of the system's output voltage.

[0021] Currently, commercial controllers (12) typically employ cable harnesses for multi-channel interconnection with voltage regulators in the transmission of control signals, measurement inputs, auxiliary circuitry, and power. Therefore, the present invention employs a cable harness with quick-connect sockets for the connection between the controller (12) and the device for operating the analog voltage regulator (11).

[0022] As Figure 1 The voltage regulator simulator device (11), which is the central part of the inventive concept shown in the figure, is an advanced device that simulates the operation of a single-phase voltage regulator connected to a power distribution line, thereby providing a verification and training platform for the controller (12). The simulator (11) can generate various signals, including voltage, current, power flow, frequency, polarity inverter signal, operation counter pulse, neutral light and switch position sensor, and simulate tap-changing mechanisms that utilize spring loading or direct drive of the switch.

[0023] For this purpose, the simulator device (11) consists of a control module (111) and a power module (112).

[0024] The microcontroller-based control module (111) is responsible for processing all analog and digital signals exchanged with the controller (12), establishing communication with the control software in the external device (13), and issuing commands to the power module (112).

[0025] Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the analog input and output (I / O) AC signals connected to the controller (12), such as: load TAP changer activation signals in the direction of raising or lowering the TAP, reference neutral or phase neutral position signals, and reserved contact signals for switches with actuation systems but without spring loads. The AC input and output electronic submodule (1111) is used to adjust and transmit the handled and protected signals between the controller (12) and the microcontroller processing and control unit (1114).

[0026] Similarly, it is necessary to adjust the DC input and output signals, such as the analog switch counter signals sent by the controller (12) and the 3-position switch signals (R, S, or T) used for phase programming in group operation. The DC I / O electronic submodule (1112) is used to adjust and transmit the processed and protected signals between the controller (12) and the microcontroller and control unit (1114).

[0027] There are also adjustments to the dry contact digital output signals to provide feedback to the controller (12), such as: neutral position indicator, operation counter, polarity reversal indicator and auxiliary relay, etc. Electronic dry contact output submodule (1113) is used in the adjustment to send the processed and protected signals to the controller (12).

[0028] A signal notification panel (1115) is used to visually indicate the status of some digital variables, such as switch operation count, polarity reversal indication, and switch position indication, via an electronic display or light-emitting diode (LED).

[0029] A communication interface (1116) is used between the microcontroller (1114) and the computerized device (13) with simulator control software (11). For this purpose, a serial communication standard is used for data transmission, with options for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and an RS-232 port. Additionally, the communication interface module (1116) also integrates the different simulators (11) operating in the group. Interaction between the simulators (11) is based on the Serial Digital Communication Protocol Controller Area Network (CAN). Furthermore, terminals are used to measure the output voltage and current.

[0030] The microcontroller and control unit (1114) is responsible for processing all input and output signals in the control module (111) and managing the information flow and activities within the device (11). It executes instructions stored in memory by performing mathematical calculations, manipulating data, and making logical decisions to determine which instructions will be executed at what time, thereby coordinating the work of all other components of the system.

[0031] In short, the microcontroller (1114) receives a command from the controller (12) and sends the command to a device with simulator control software (13) that simulates network conditions in the phasor domain for a selected TAP configuration. The microcontroller (1114) receives the simulated voltage and current results and commands the power module (112) to simulate them in time.

[0032] The power module (112) is responsible for simulating the current and voltage signals that will be measured during the operation of the single-phase voltage regulator transformer. Therefore, there are submodules that reproduce the analog signal of the voltage measurement (1121) and submodules that reproduce the analog signal of the current measurement (1122) that will be the operation of the regulator. References are received from the microcontroller (1114) and submodules (1121 and 1122) which include multiple components that facilitate the generation of the simulated signals via a signal generator and amplifier.

[0033] Still based on Figure 1 The voltage regulator emulator (11) establishes a connection with an external computerized device (13). The device (13) (which may be a PC, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, etc., as long as it has an emulator control application) communicates serially with the emulator device (11) via USB or RS-232.

[0034] The characteristics of the voltage regulator and the analog network can be configured through the control software. The application performs a simulation of the network in the phasor domain and returns a reference to the simulator device (11) that reproduces the signal. The simulation routine calculates and triggers a new reference value for the simulator (11) at each command action of the controller (12) or at each change in the characteristics of the network or voltage regulator.

[0035] The software also receives and indicates the status of binary signals, such as neutral light, decreased TAP, increased TAP, etc. It receives and sends values ​​of analog variables such as voltage, current, and angle. It allows updating the emulator firmware (11).

[0036] The simulated power distribution network can be, for example, an electrical network, a microgrid, or an electrical system that provides single-phase or multi-phase AC power to commercial and / or residential customers. The network can operate at a base frequency of, for example, 50 to 60 Hz, and can have an operating voltage of, for example, at least 1 kV and up to 138 kV.

[0037] Figure 2 The system simulation for a given phase, as shown in the figure, consists of a distribution line with a single-phase voltage regulator (21). A representative model of the single-phase voltage regulator transformer (21) is used, consisting of an excitation winding (211) between the source terminal (218) and the source load (2110) and a regulating winding (212) connected between the source terminal (218) and the load (219). The network model used is a Thevenin equivalent circuit consisting of voltage sources in series with impedance, which can produce an equivalent response for the entire system.

[0038] Therefore, the entire distribution network downstream of the regulator (21) is represented by the Thevenin equivalent circuit (22) having a voltage source (222) connected in series with a resistor-inductance (221). Similarly, the entire distribution network upstream of the regulator (21) is represented by the circuit (23) having a voltage source (232) connected in series with a resistor-inductance (231).

[0039] The equivalent circuits (22 and 23) may represent the composition of one or more power sources (e.g., hydroelectric power plants, combined heat and power plants, or substations) and one or more additional distributed energy sources (e.g., micro and small photovoltaic or wind-solar power generation units). This representation also includes one or more power lines, cables, and / or any other means of transmitting electricity besides electrical loads. Any device that uses electricity, including electrical equipment that receives and transmits or distributes electricity to other devices in the distribution network, is considered a load, such as transformers, switchboards, energy storage systems, computer and communication equipment, lighting, air conditioning, motors and electric machinery in industrial facilities, and / or household appliances and electrical systems in residences.

[0040] It is known that monitoring the line parameters and activating the load tap changer of the voltage regulator transformer (21) controls the voltage regulator (12) to maintain the voltage at the consumer within a pre-established limit. Therefore, through... Figure 2 The simulation of the diagram presented in the figure can establish many boundary conditions for testing the control algorithm. The characteristics of the distribution network, forced loads and / or generation fluctuations, and the direction of power flow in the distribution lines can be altered through configurable circuits (22 and 23).

[0041] Despite the systems presented so far ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is single-phase, but it is very common to use single-phase voltage regulator transformers in groups for multi-phase operation. Therefore, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the simulator device (11) is equipped with the ability to communicate with other compatible simulators, thereby allowing multiphase management of the simulation of the regulator group and enabling the configuration of all interconnected devices through a single computerized device (13) with control applications.

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the group operation of this system is shown, which can be, for example, a simulation of a three-phase line with two single-phase voltage regulators (21) connected in an open-circuit delta (delta) configuration (i.e., a three-wire connection, where one phase becomes the center connection point of the transformer, thus creating a pseudo-neutral with high impedance). Similarly, Figure 4 A connection diagram for group operation of this system is shown, which may, for example, be a three-phase line using three single-phase voltage regulators connected in a closed star or delta configuration. CAN communication channels between the individual devices (11) enable commands to be sent or the configuration of all interconnected devices to be changed via a single control software (13), as well as centralized monitoring of measurements for all phases. Therefore, it is possible to connect and communicate with one component of the simulator group (11) at a time, or to send commands to one or more simulators (11) in the group at a time.

[0043] It should be noted that, for Figure 3 and Figure 4 The group operation illustrated in the figure has each single-phase voltage regulator having its own control (12). However, the proposed simulation system can be used to test both single-phase control (12) and multi-phase control.

[0044] Single-phase control (12) is characterized as controlling only one single-phase voltage regulator transformer, where each regulator transformer requires its own control. In multiphase electrical systems, single-phase control (12) always performs voltage regulation based on the measured electrical parameters of the single phase (the phase with the voltage regulator installed), ignoring the parameters of other phases. In some cases, independent regulation between phases in a three-phase electrical system with unbalanced loads is insufficient. As a variation of single-phase control application, some devices allow operation in a master-slave system, where two or more single-phase controls (12) operate in a position-synchronized (tap) manner. In this configuration, one control becomes the master, and voltage regulation occurs as needed to regulate the master control line, while another device is commanded to maintain the position (tap) synchronization between the controls. Voltage regulation occurs only as needed to correct the voltage of the master control phase, without considering the need to regulate other phases.

[0045] Multiphase control is characterized as a microprocessor-based electronic device that controls up to three single-phase voltage regulator transformers, with a single device replacing up to three single-phase controls (12), and each transformer not necessarily having its own control. It allows for regulation in a three-phase electrical system, either individually for each phase or synchronously across all phases. Voltage regulation can be achieved by taking into account electrical parameters measured in one or all phases.

[0046] Therefore, the ability to interconnect the simulator (11) with other simulators of the same type not only allows for different types of connections of the analog regulator (21) (star, open delta and closed delta), but also allows for testing of systems with two or more controllers (12) to verify operating modes in master-slave and / or master-follower groups.

[0047] Example

[0048] A clear example of an embodiment of the present invention is the commercial simulator (11) being developed by the applicant, which has gone through the stages of research, planning, prototyping and development, and is currently in the patent and improvement stage.

[0049] The electronic voltage regulator simulator device (11) is an advanced device for simulating single-phase voltage regulators used in power distribution lines, thus providing a verification and training platform for the control of the regulator (12). It can generate various signals, including voltage, current, power flow, frequency, polarity inverter signals, operation counter pulses, neutral light, and position sensors, and simulate tap-changing mechanisms utilizing spring loading or direct-drive switches. Furthermore, through software (13), all levels of signals can be viewed, and values ​​and commands can be configured and sent in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. The simulator (11) is also capable of interconnecting with other simulators of the same type, allowing the simulation of systems with two or three regulators to verify operating modes in master-slave and / or master-follower groups.

[0050] Many modifications and variations may be made to this patent application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0051] This invention is defined by the terminology of the appended claims and is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments described herein. In fact, based on the foregoing description and appendices… Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 Various modifications to the invention, other than those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0052] The foregoing written description is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to reproduce the invention without inappropriate experimentation.

Claims

1. An operation simulator device (11) for a single-phase voltage regulator device (12) in a single-phase or multi-phase configuration, comprising: At least one control module (111); as well as At least one power module (112).

2. The simulator device (11) according to claim 1, wherein, The control module (111) adopts: At least one input and output electronic submodule, namely AC I / O (1111); At least one input and output electronic submodule, namely DC I / O (1112); At least one electronic dry contact output submodule (1113); At least one processing and control unit (1114); Signal notification panel (1115); and At least one communication interface (1116); The control module (111) processes all analog and digital signals exchanged with the single-phase voltage regulator device (12), establishes communication with the control software in the external device (13), and issues commands to the power module (112).

3. The simulator device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The power module (112) adopts: At least one voltage sensor simulator (1121); and at least one current sensor simulator (1122); wherein the power module (112) simulates the current and voltage signals to be measured during operation of the single-phase voltage regulator device (12).

4. The simulator device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The operation simulator device (11) simulates the functionality of the regulator device (12) based on command signals sent from the electronic controller to the voltage regulator and computer simulation of the single-phase voltage regulator device (12) connected to the power distribution line.

5. The simulator device (11) according to claim 4, wherein, The functionality of the simulated single-phase voltage regulator device (12) is selected from voltage and current.

6. The simulator device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The operation simulator device (11) has the following capabilities: Generate at least one signal from a group of signals including: voltage, current, power flow, frequency, polarity inverter signal, operation counter pulse, neutral light, and switch position sensor; as well as A simulated tap-changing mechanism utilizing spring loading or direct-drive switching is included, and includes: RS-232 and USB serial local ports are used to communicate with an external computerized device (13) with device control software (11); A CAN communication port is used for group operation with other compatible single-phase voltage regulator simulator devices (11); Terminals used to measure the output voltage and current; A switch is used to manually select the tap to change the phase of the motor, i.e., R, S, or T, and the voltage, i.e., 110Vac or 220Vac. The signal notification panel (1115) is used to visually indicate the status of some digital variables via an electronic display or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The power module (112) includes multiple electronic components that facilitate the generation of signals by a signal generator and amplifier, and can simulate the voltage and current of AC equivalent to the voltage and current generated by the sensor of the single-phase voltage regulator transformer. The microcontroller-based control module includes multiple electronic components that facilitate the processing of all analog and digital signals of AC or DC exchanged with the electronic control for the voltage regulator, establish communication with control software in an external computerized device, and generate reference signals for the power module.

7. A control module (111), comprising: The AC input and output submodule includes multiple electronic components that facilitate the adjustment and transmission of handled and protected AC signals between an electronic controller for a voltage regulator and a microcontroller and control unit. These AC signals include load tap changer activation signals in the direction of increasing or decreasing TAP, reference neutral or phase neutral position signals, and hold-on contact signals for switches with actuation systems but without spring loads. DC input and output submodule, which includes multiple electronic components that facilitate the adjustment and transmission of handled and protected DC signals between an electronic controller for a voltage regulator and a microcontroller and control unit, such as analog switch counter signals sent by the electronic controller for the voltage regulator and 3-position switch signals (R, S or T) for phase programming in group operation. The dry contact output submodule includes multiple electronic components that facilitate the adjustment and transmission of processed and protected digital relay signals to an electronic controller for a voltage regulator. These digital relay signals include, for example, a neutral position indicator, an operation counter, a polarity reversal indicator, and an auxiliary relay. The signal notification panel (1115) includes multiple electronic components that facilitate visual indication of the status of some digital variables, such as switch operation count, polarity reversal indication, and switch position indication, via an electronic display or light-emitting diode (LED). The communication interface submodule includes multiple electronic components that facilitate communication between the device and an external computerized device via serial communication standards RS-232 and USB in data transmission, and between compatible devices operating in a group via a serial digital communication protocol controller area network, i.e., serial digital communication protocol CAN. as well as A processing and control submodule, comprising a microcontroller and multiple electronic components, the multiple electronic components facilitating the processing of all input and output signals in the control module and managing information flow and activity within the device to execute instructions stored in memory by performing mathematical calculations, manipulating data and making logical decisions, thereby determining when and which instructions will be executed, and coordinating the work of all other components of the system, wherein the control module (111) is included in the operation simulator device (11) of the single-phase voltage regulator device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A system for simulating a single-phase voltage regulator device (12), comprising: A single-phase voltage regulator device (12) is a device for maintaining the voltage of a network within a pre-established limit by continuously monitoring the parameters of the distribution line and activating the load tap changer of the voltage regulator transformer and providing parameterization, data acquisition, analysis and control of the output voltage of the system. A simulator device (11) for the single-phase voltage regulator device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is operatively associated therewith; An external computerized device (13) serially communicates with a simulator device of a single-phase voltage regulator device and, through control software, is able to configure the characteristics of the voltage regulator and the characteristics of the simulation network, then apply the network simulation in the phasor domain and return the reference to the device that reproduces the signal. The simulation routine calculates and triggers a new reference value for the device at each command action of the electronic controller for the voltage regulator or at each change in the characteristics of the network or the voltage regulator. The device receives commands from the electronic controller for the voltage regulator, sends the commands to the control software, the control software simulates the conditions of the network in the phasor domain for selected tap configurations, and when the device receives the simulated voltage and current results, the device reproduces all control signals and power signals corresponding to the operation of the single-phase voltage regulator transformer.

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