DC Current Controller for Variable Reactance in AC Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transmission infrastructure in power grids faces inefficiencies and reliability issues due to inability to control power flow effectively, leading to congestion and degradation of grid reliability and cost efficiencies, particularly in large-scale transmission networks.

Innovation Solution

A continuously variable series reactor (CVSR) system with a dc current controller (DCC) that enables continuous and flexible control of impedance in ac grids by varying the reactance of the CVSR, using a half-bridge based dc-dc converter topology to regulate dc current and counteract induced back-emf, thereby optimizing power flow and reducing harmonic generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional transmission infrastructure is used, then power delivery capacity is maintained, but power flow control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower flow control capabilityVSAvoidgrid reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a continuously variable series reactor (CVSR) as an intermediary device inserted into the transmission line. The CVSR acts as a mediator that provides continuous reactance adjustment capability, enabling precise power flow control without disrupting the existing transmission infrastructure. This intermediary device resolves the contradiction by adding control capability while maintaining grid reliability through smooth, continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamically adjustable series reactor with continuously variable reactance rather than fixed impedance devices. The reactance can be adjusted in real-time to match varying grid conditions, providing adaptive power flow control. This dynamic capability improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability through responsive adaptation to changing system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If transmission infrastructure is expanded to meet demand, then power delivery capacity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of existing transmission lines by introducing continuously adjustable reactance values. Instead of expanding physical infrastructure, the system varies the electrical parameters (reactance) of the existing lines to optimize power delivery capacity. This parameter-based approach increases productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The CVSR device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power flow control, manages congestion, and enhances stability across different transmission scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single device type to address various power delivery challenges, increasing productivity while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional AC control methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous reactance adjustment capability in the series reactor, allowing precise control of power flow parameters. The reactance can be varied smoothly across a wide range, providing high control precision for managing active and reactive power flow. This dynamic precision control addresses the need for accurate power flow management while maintaining reasonable system complexity through a single adjustable device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 CVSR system with DCC achieves efficient control of active power flow, reduces harmonic generation, and enhances grid reliability by allowing adjustable dc current and ac reactance, thereby addressing transmission bottlenecks and improving grid controllability and cost efficiencies.

Implementation Method 1

A continuously variable series reactor (CVSR) system with a dc current controller (DCC) that enables continuous and flexible control of impedance in ac grids by varying the reactance of the CVSR

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic core is designed with specific properties to enable continuous control of reactance through DC bias current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Data Source

PatentUS10177647B2DC current controller for continuously variable series reactor
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 UT BATTELLE LLC
  • US10177647B2 patent drawing
  • US10177647B2 patent drawing
  • US10177647B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A direct current controller includes a rectifier configured to convert alternating current input into a direct current output. A converter electrically coupled to the rectifier generates a converted direct current voltage that regulates a converted direct current from the direct current output of the rectifier and synthesizes an ac component of an alternating current grid to counteract an induced back-emf. A direct current controller central controller coupled to the converter regulates the converted direct current.