Alternator Regulation Method for Nuclear Power Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current regulation methods for high-power alternating current generators, particularly in nuclear power stations, are sensitive to measurement errors and fail to maintain stability over a wide range, leading to oscillations that are difficult to dampen, thus not meeting the technical specifications for exciter and voltage adjustment equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves choosing a nominal operating point, determining a nominal model, estimating characteristic output parameters, and applying control parameters based on errors to reduce discrepancies, using an augmented system with integral feedback and optimization techniques like LQG control to enhance stability and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional four-loop regulator methods are used, then the regulation system can maintain output values close to reference values, but the system becomes highly sensitive to measurement errors and generates oscillations that are difficult to damp out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity to measurement errorsVSAvoidclosed-loop stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation method is divided into four independent loops (voltage loop, power factor loop, frequency loop, and reactive power loop), each handling specific regulation tasks separately. This segmentation allows each loop to be optimized independently, reducing the propagation of measurement errors while maintaining overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements closed-loop feedback mechanisms in each of the four regulation loops, where measured parameters are continuously compared with reference values and correction signals are applied. This feedback approach enables the system to automatically compensate for measurement errors and damp oscillations effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If conventional regulation methods are used, then basic voltage control is achieved, but the system fails to meet technical specifications for exciter and voltage adjustment equipment across the whole range of use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with technical specificationsVSAvoidperformance across wide operating range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation system dynamically adapts its control parameters and loop gains based on the operating conditions of the alternator. The four-loop structure allows different loops to be activated or adjusted according to the specific operating range, ensuring compliance with technical specifications across the entire operational spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes control parameters and reference values based on the operating point of the alternator. By adjusting the gains and thresholds of the four regulation loops according to the operating range, the system maintains reliable performance whether the alternator is operating at high power, low power, leading power factor, or lagging power factor conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If measurement-based control is used, then real-time regulation is achieved, but parametric uncertainties in non-measurable magnitudes reduce control accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time regulation speedVSAvoidcontrol accuracy under parametric uncertainty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates reference values and control parameters based on the measured operating point before applying them. The four-loop regulator prepares correction signals in advance based on predicted deviations, allowing real-time response while compensating for parametric uncertainties through proactive adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces intermediate calculation steps that process measured parameters through the four-loop structure before applying final control actions. These intermediate processing stages filter out uncertainties in non-measurable magnitudes while preserving the essential regulation signals, improving control accuracy without sacrificing real-time performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2734900B1Regulation method
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2734900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2734900B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2734900B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for automatic regulation of a system in which a plurality of parameters characteristic of the system are measured and in which at least one control parameter (u) is applied as a function of the measured parameters (y), characterized in that: - a nominal operating point of the system is chosen, - a nominal model (Mn) describing the system at this nominal operating point is determined, and estimated characteristic output parameters (yr) corresponding to measurable characteristic parameters (y) are determined from said nominal model, - the errors between at least one of the measured characteristic output parameters (y) and at least one of the estimated characteristic output parameters (yr) are determined, and - at least one control parameter of the system is applied as a function of the errors determined to reduce the error between at least one of the estimated characteristic output parameters (yr) and the corresponding at least one measured value of the measured characteristic output parameters (y).