Coordinated Voltage Control for Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems face challenges in efficiently controlling voltage profiles, leading to unnecessary switching operations between shunt capacitor banks and on-load tap changers, which can result in suboptimal voltage regulation and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a coordinated control system using intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that communicate synchronized phasor data between on-load tap changer and shunt capacitor bank controllers to determine the most effective device for voltage profile adjustment, reducing abrupt changes and optimizing voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent control of shunt capacitor banks and on-load tap changers is used, then each device can operate autonomously, but unnecessary switching operations occur and voltage regulation becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of shunt capacitor banks and on-load tap changers into a unified coordinated control system. The method receives system information from both devices, determines their coordinated operation based on voltage profile requirements, and issues unified control instructions to minimize switching operations while maintaining optimal voltage regulation. This resolves the contradiction by combining previously independent control functions into a single coordinated system.
2Speed
If frequent switching operations are performed to maintain voltage profiles, then voltage regulation responsiveness improves, but equipment stress increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using predictive algorithms to anticipate voltage profile deviations before they occur. The system determines optimal switching strategies in advance based on forecasted load conditions and system state, allowing voltage regulation to be maintained without frequent reactive switching operations. This reduces equipment stress and operational costs while preserving responsiveness through proactive rather than reactive control.
3Reliability
If conservative voltage control strategies are used, then equipment stress is reduced, but voltage profile optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive control strategies that adjust switching operations based on real-time system conditions. The coordinated control system dynamically determines when switching is necessary by continuously monitoring voltage profiles, load conditions, and equipment states. This allows the system to optimize voltage profiles aggressively when conditions permit while conserving equipment when stress levels are high, resolving the contradiction between equipment protection and optimization performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for controlling a voltage profile delivered to a load in an electric power system. According to various embodiments, an electric power system may include an electric power line, a variable tap transformer, and a capacitor bank. The variable tap transformer may include a plurality of tap positions. A tap change controller may be coupled with the variable tap transformer and may control the tap positions of the variable tap transformer. A capacitor bank controller may be coupled with the capacitor bank and may selectively couple the capacitor bank to the electric power line. The tap change controller and the capacitor bank controller may share system information related to the voltage profile along the electric power line and to change the voltage profile along the line using the variable tap transformer and the capacitor bank depending on the system information.