Converter Assembly for Online Electrical Parameter Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies in HVDC transmission networks require separate and dedicated equipment for characterizing electrical network parameters, which is costly, bulky, and not easily scalable for different ratings, leading to potential system instability and equipment damage due to changing operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electrical assembly with integrated converter modules, including switching elements and energy storage devices, equipped with a controller and sensor that allows for online characterization of electrical parameters without offline operation or changes in steady-state conditions, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain system stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate and dedicated electrical network characterisation equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical network characterisation function with the existing converter structure by integrating a sensor into the converter and using the controller to execute characterisation algorithms. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated characterisation equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated sensor-controller operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter structure is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power conversion and electrical network characterisation. The controller executes different operational modes, including characterisation mode where it modifies electrical parameters to characterise the network, and normal operating mode. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve dual purposes without requiring separate specialised equipment.
2Measurement precision
If separate characterisation equipment is used, then measurement capability is improved, but installation and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The characterisation functionality is merged into the existing converter structure, utilizing the controller and sensor already present in the converter. This integration eliminates the need for separate characterisation equipment, thereby reducing installation costs (no additional equipment to install) and operating costs (no separate equipment to maintain and operate).
Solution Approach 2:
The converter performs self-characterisation of the electrical network using its own controller and sensor. The controller executes characterisation algorithms that modify electrical parameters and analyse the responses to determine network characteristics. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external characterisation equipment and the associated costs.
3Measurement precision
If offline characterisation is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity and system availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical network characterisation is performed online while the converter and electrical network remain in operation. The controller executes characterisation algorithms during normal operation by modifying electrical parameters and analyzing sensor responses, allowing continuous characterisation without interrupting power conversion or requiring the system to go offline. This ensures uninterrupted productivity and system availability.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated characterisation equipment is used, then characterisation capability is improved, but scalability for different ratings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The converter controller is designed with universal characterisation capability that can adapt to different converter ratings and configurations. The controller executes characterisation algorithms that work across various power levels and converter types, allowing the same integrated system to serve converters of different ratings without requiring specialised equipment for each rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The characterisation system is dynamically adaptable to different operating conditions and converter configurations. The controller modifies electrical parameters during characterisation based on the specific converter rating and network conditions, enabling the same hardware to perform accurate characterisation across a range of different converter ratings and applications.
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
This solution eliminates the need for separate characterization equipment, reduces costs and size, and enhances scalability, stability, and performance by allowing real-time adaptation to changing electrical network conditions, thereby preventing system instability and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one module including at least one switching element and at least one energy storage device, the or each switching element and the or each energy storage device in the or each module arranged to be combinable to selectively provide a voltage source
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical assembly including a converter for connection to an electrical network, the converter including at least one module having at least one switching element and at least one energy storage device, the switching element and the energy storage device arranged to be combinable to provide a voltage source, the electrical assembly including a controller configured to control the switching of the switching element, wherein the electrical assembly includes a sensor configured for measuring a current of the electrical network, wherein the controller and sensor are configured to carry out a characterization of an electrical parameter so that, in use the controller controls the switching of the switching element to modify an electrical parameter of the converter so as to modify the current of the electrical network, the sensor measures a resultant modified current, and the controller processes the measured resultant modified current to characterize the electrical parameter.