Active Electronic Converter for High-Voltage Network Fault Extinction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current passive systems for compensated grounding in high-voltage networks are limited in controlling neutral current and detecting faults, particularly transient single-phase faults, which can lead to incomplete fault extinction and supply interruptions, and are ineffective in managing overvoltages and phase-to-phase faults.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a three-phase converter capable of independent voltage regulation for each phase, allowing for the injection of zero sequence and direct sequence voltages to control fault extinction and predictive maintenance, enabling precise fault detection and voltage management across phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive Petersen coil systems are used for compensated grounding, then transient single-phase faults can be extinguished with reduced current flow, but the system cannot actively control neutral current circulation or detect faults precisely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault extinction capabilityVSAvoidcontrol capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical Petersen coil system with an active electronic converter system. The converter uses electronic switching devices (IGBTs, MOSFETs) and control circuits to actively generate and inject compensating currents, replacing the passive inductive compensation mechanism with an electronically controlled system that can detect and respond to faults dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic fault detection and self-regulation capabilities. The control unit continuously monitors network conditions, automatically detects faults, and adjusts the converter output to maintain compensation without manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own operational state and making necessary adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable inductance with manual or motor control is used, then limited tuning range is achieved, but the system remains passive and cannot rapidly adapt to network topology changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning capabilityVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, mechanically adjustable inductance into a dynamic electronic system. The converter can rapidly change its output characteristics through electronic switching, allowing real-time adaptation to network topology changes. The control unit continuously adjusts the compensating current based on real-time network conditions, providing dynamic response rather than static adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical or motor-driven adjustment mechanism is replaced with electronic control. The converter uses semiconductor switches and control circuits to achieve rapid, precise adjustment of compensation parameters without mechanical movement, enabling response times in the order of milliseconds rather than seconds or minutes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current injection methods are used to tune the Petersen coil, then passive element tuning is achieved, but the system cannot independently control each phase voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning capabilityVSAvoidcontrol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the three-phase system into independently controllable phases. Each phase has its own control pathway within the converter, allowing independent voltage regulation. The converter topology includes separate switching legs for each phase, enabling independent control of phase voltages and compensating currents without affecting other phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic converter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fault compensation, enables precise fault detection, allows independent phase voltage control, and offers network tuning capabilities. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, simplifying the overall control structure while increasing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4145654A1Fault extinguishing and predictive maintenance device for high voltage networks
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 I-DE REDES ELÉCTRICAS INTELIGENTES SA
  • EP4145654A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4145654A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4145654A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The device is intended to be connected to the phases of a high-voltage network (1), being able to independently regulate the three voltages of the three phases and detect insulation faults. It comprises at least one voltage capture element and one current capture element (2) for each phase of the high-voltage network (1), a protection and control module (4), connected to the voltage and current capture elements (2), a three-phase power converter (3), associated with the protection and control module (4), with three branches with independent voltage control intended to be connected to the phases of the high-voltage network (1), a power supply module (6) of the three-phase converter (3) and a dedicated transformer (5), connected to the regulation and control module (2).