Bypass Switch for Grid Compensation Device

Solution Overview

Problem

Power systems face challenges in rapidly providing reactive power during emergency contingencies, such as voltage drops, due to the limitations of existing Static VAR Compensator (SVC) technologies, which often require bulky and expensive cooling equipment and suffer from high losses in solid-state switching devices.

Innovation Solution

A compensation device with a boost device that includes multiple capacitors or inductors connected in parallel with a solid-state switching device, which can short circuit specific portions to increase reactive power output, and a mechanical bypass switch to minimize losses and reduce cooling needs, allowing for a distributed network of compensation devices to provide additional reactive power directly to the power system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If solid-state switching devices are used to provide rapid reactive power support during emergencies, then the response speed is improved, but the losses and cooling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidlosses

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is divided into two distinct parts: a solid-state switching device for rapid response and a mechanical bypass switch for low-loss steady-state operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the solid-state device provides fast switching within one cycle, while the mechanical switch handles continuous current with minimal losses, eliminating the need for expensive cooling equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates in periodic phases: during emergencies, the solid-state switching device activates rapidly to provide immediate reactive power support, then after the contingency is cleared, the mechanical bypass switch takes over for steady-state operation. This periodic action allows the system to benefit from both rapid response and low losses at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Power

If solid-state switching devices operate continuously to provide reactive power support, then the reactive power output is maintained, but the cooling equipment requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereactive power outputVSAvoidcooling requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is divided into two distinct parts: a solid-state switching device for rapid response and a mechanical bypass switch for low-loss steady-state operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the solid-state device provides fast switching within one cycle, while the mechanical switch handles continuous current with minimal losses, eliminating the need for expensive cooling equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If solid-state switching devices are used with high current ratings to handle steady-state current, then the continuous power support is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supportVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is divided into two distinct parts: a solid-state switching device for rapid response and a mechanical bypass switch for low-loss steady-state operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the solid-state device provides fast switching within one cycle, while the mechanical switch handles continuous current with minimal losses, eliminating the need for expensive cooling equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a mechanical bypass switch that replicates the switching function of the solid-state device but with the advantage of handling steady-state current efficiently. The mechanical switch serves as a backup/copy that takes over after the solid-state device performs its rapid response function, allowing the solid-state device to use lower current ratings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables rapid and efficient reactive power support during emergencies by increasing the voltage on un-shorted portions of the boost device, reducing losses and cooling requirements, and allowing the use of solid-state switches with lower steady-state current ratings, thereby stabilizing the power system without the need for expensive cooling equipment.

Implementation Method 1

multiple electrically connected capacitors, each capacitor bank having a first portion and a second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a mechanical bypass switch electrically connected in parallel to the solid state switching device and the multiple capacitors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2751898B1Bypass switch for a grid compensation device

Publication Date: 2018.01.10 COOPER TECH CO

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2

AI summary

A boost device is coupled to a compensation device that is configured to be connected to a power system. The boost device includes multiple portions, each of the multiple portions including at least one electrical element, and a solid-state switching device electrically connected to the at least one electrical element. The solid-state switching device is connected in parallel with the at least one electrical element such that closing the solid-state switching substantially prevents current flow to the at least one electrical element.