Bipole HVDC Converter Control Redundancy Without Extra Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission networks require efficient conversion between AC and DC power, and existing bipole power transmission schemes lack effective redundancy and space optimization, particularly in offshore installations where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A bipole power transmission scheme with separate converter stations interconnected by transmission and return conduits, utilizing digital controllers to run active and standby instances of control functions, minimizing hardware deployment and ensuring redundancy without increasing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate converter stations are used in bipole power transmission schemes, then reliability and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (first converter control function, second converter control function, converter station control function, and master power control function) onto a single digital controller. This merging eliminates the need for separate controller hardware for each function while maintaining full operational capability and redundancy through software-based active and standby instances of each control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by running active and standby instances of different control functions. A single controller universally handles converter control, station control, and master power control, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized controllers. This multi-functionality achieves space optimization without sacrificing the redundancy provided by separate converter stations.
2Reliability
If multiple digital controllers are deployed for active and standby control functions, then redundancy is improved, but space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hosting of multiple active and standby control function instances onto a single digital controller platform. Instead of deploying separate physical controllers for each control function, the system consolidates them into one multi-functional controller that runs all necessary control software instances, thereby eliminating additional hardware space requirements while preserving redundancy through software-based failover capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based copying of control functions rather than physical hardware duplication. Active and standby instances of control functions are implemented as software copies on the same digital controller, allowing redundancy to be achieved through virtualization and software replication instead of physical hardware multiplication. This approach maintains full redundancy while eliminating the need for additional controller hardware space.
3Productivity
If converter stations are located offshore, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but space availability for control hardware becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single digital controller to minimize the physical footprint of control hardware on offshore platforms. By consolidating converter control, station control, and master power control functions onto one controller platform, the system reduces the space required for control equipment while maintaining the operational efficiency benefits of offshore converter station location.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital controller is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple control functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the offshore converter station to achieve high power transmission efficiency with minimal control hardware space, as a single controller handles all necessary control tasks that would traditionally require multiple separate controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A bipole power transmission scheme includes at least a first converter station that is positioned in-use separate from at least a second converter station. The bipole power transmission scheme also includes at least first and second transmission conduits and a first return conduit to in-use interconnect the first converter station with the second converter station and thereby permit the transfer of power between the first and second converter stations.