Converter Station Dynamic Overload Capability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converter stations for HVDC transmission systems have limited overload capabilities due to thermal constraints, which restrict the power transmission capacity, especially at maximum ambient temperatures, and lack accurate methods to estimate and utilize actual overload capacities in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A converter station with means to determine actual temperatures of critical components and cooling media, along with their thermal behavior and cooling capacity, using a mathematical model to calculate and continuously present overload capabilities, allowing for optimized power transmission within safe temperature limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power transmitted through the converter station is raised above the rated power at maximum ambient temperature, then the power transmission capacity is improved, but the maximum allowed temperature of critical components is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic overload capability determination by continuously monitoring ambient temperature and calculating the actual overload capability of critical components in real-time. The control device adjusts the allowed power transmission level dynamically based on current thermal conditions, allowing the system to operate at higher powers when temperatures permit and reducing power when thermal limits are approached, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing power transmission and preventing temperature exceedance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing temperature-dependent power limits. Instead of maintaining a fixed rated power, the system modifies the power transmission parameter based on ambient temperature measurements and thermal models of critical components. This allows the power transmission capacity to be optimized for each thermal condition, enabling higher power transmission when temperatures are lower while preventing temperature exceedance through automatic parameter adjustment
2Power
If the power transmitted through the converter station is increased above the rated power at lower ambient temperatures, then the continuous overload capability is improved, but the thermal design limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors ambient temperature, calculates the current thermal state of critical components using stored thermal models, and adjusts the allowed power transmission level accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the continuous overload capability is maximized within safe thermal limits, allowing higher power transmission at lower ambient temperatures while maintaining reliability by preventing thermal design limit exceedance through real-time feedback adjustment
3Productivity
If the overload capability of the converter station is increased, then the utilization of transmission capacity is improved, but the complexity of temperature monitoring and control systems is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing thermal models and thermal characteristics of critical components in the control device before operation. These pre-calculated thermal models allow the system to quickly determine overload capability without requiring complex real-time thermal simulations. The control device uses these pre-prepared models to rapidly assess thermal conditions and adjust power limits, thereby increasing transmission capacity utilization while minimizing the complexity of real-time monitoring and control systems
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 approach enables increased utilization of overload capabilities, providing accurate and real-time estimates of power transmission limits, enhancing the operational efficiency of HVDC transmission systems by calculating continuous and short-time overload capacities, thereby reducing the severity of power reductions during faults.
Implementation Method 1
information about the actual temperature of any media used to cool said critical component(-s)
Implementation Method 2
information about actual cooling capacity of any cooling equipment present to cool said critical component(-s)
Data Source
AI summary
A converter station an element adapted to determine a value of an actual temperature of any critical component of the station and an element adapted to determine a value of an actual temperature of any media used to cool the critical component. An arrangement is adapted to utilize these temperature values and information about actual cooling capacity of any cooling equipment present to cool the critical component and information about the thermal behavior of the critical component and the possible cooling media upon a possible change of the power actually transmitted through the station in a mathematical model for calculating the present overload capabilities of the converter station for use in the control of converters of the station upon a possible request of utilizing an overload capability of the station.