AC/DC Distribution Ring Topology for Weak-Network Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing AC/DC distribution networks lack sufficient power support and are limited to single control modes, which hampers their ability to respond effectively to power fluctuations and ensure safe and reliable operation under fault conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for supporting weak networks in AC/DC distribution networks, featuring a multi-terminal ring structure topology, distributed optimization methods, and adaptive droop control modes that automatically switch based on power and frequency fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-terminal ring structure topology is constructed to support weak networks and isolate faults actively, then the reliability and fault isolation capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault isolation capabilityVSAvoidtopology structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AC/DC distribution network is divided into multiple sub-regions with independent control capabilities. Each sub-region can operate autonomously and isolate faults locally, preventing cascade failures while maintaining overall system reliability through the multi-terminal ring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The topology structure enables dynamic fault isolation and adaptive reconfiguration. When faults occur, the system actively isolates affected segments and redistributes power flow through available paths, transforming a static network into a dynamically responsive system that maintains reliability under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If distributed optimization method is established with regional decoupling and multiple control modes, then the adaptability and response capability to power fluctuations are improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mode adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent control modes (droop control, P-Q control, V-f control, etc.) that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions. Each control mode handles specific scenarios, allowing the system to adapt to different power fluctuations without requiring a monolithic complex control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between different control modes based on real-time power fluctuations and operating conditions. This adaptive control mode switching enables the system to respond appropriately to varying scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through modular control design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If automatic droop control mode switching is implemented based on power fluctuations, then the response speed to power changes is improved, but the measurement and control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower fluctuation detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control modes are pre-configured within the system, each optimized for specific operating conditions. The system detects power fluctuations and switches to the appropriate pre-configured mode, enabling rapid response without requiring complex real-time calculations or high-precision measurements for mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors power fluctuations and uses feedback signals to trigger automatic control mode switching. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond quickly to changing conditions by switching between pre-defined control modes based on real-time power status, balancing response speed with measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12288986B1Method and device for supporting weak networks in AC/DC distribution network
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 TIANJIN UNIV
  • US12288986B1 patent drawing
  • US12288986B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and device for supporting weak networks in an AC/DC distribution network are provided. The method includes the following steps: constructing a topology of the AC/DC distribution network, where the topology is configured to support the weak networks and isolate faults actively, and the topology is a multi-terminal ring structure; establishing a distributed optimization method for the AC/DC distribution network based on the topology; obtaining power fluctuations of the AC/DC distribution network, where the AC/DC distribution network can switch a droop control mode automatically according to the power fluctuations; and obtaining frequency fluctuations of the AC/DC distribution network, where the AC/DC distribution network performs energy dispatching according to the frequency fluctuations to match the droop control mode of the AC/DC distribution network.