DC Feeder Voltage Control for Regenerative Power Utilization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC feeder voltage control systems face difficulties in effectively utilizing regenerative power when a large number of trains are present on a route and the feeding network spans multiple routes or involves mutual operations between train companies, as they require grasping the states of all trains and substations, which is impractical.

Innovation Solution

A DC feeder voltage control apparatus that controls substation voltage by using a model-information storing unit, fixed-voltage-value storing unit, train-operation-state-information acquiring unit, and second-substation-voltage calculating unit to dynamically adjust substation voltages based on train and substation models, operation states, and current information, allowing for effective regenerative power utilization without affecting external train positions and states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If all substation voltages are adjusted to effectively utilize regenerative power, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregenerative power utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding network is divided into multiple control sections, each managed independently by a control apparatus. Each control apparatus manages only the trains and substations within its own control section, rather than managing the entire feeding network. This segmentation reduces the data processing burden on each individual apparatus while maintaining effective regenerative power utilization within each section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adjusting all substation voltages across the entire feeding network, the system adjusts voltages only in specific control sections where regenerative power utilization is needed. This partial action approach achieves energy efficiency improvements without requiring system-wide coordination and data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of energy

If voltage control is implemented across a large feeding network spanning multiple routes, then regenerative power utilization is improved, but the difficulty of managing train states and substation data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregenerative power utilization efficiencyVSAvoiddata management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding network is divided into multiple control sections, each managed independently by a control apparatus. Each control apparatus manages only the trains and substations within its own control section, rather than managing the entire feeding network. This segmentation reduces the data processing burden on each individual apparatus while maintaining effective regenerative power utilization within each section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus acts as an intermediary that receives train operation information from trains within its control section and uses this information to control substation voltages. This intermediary approach simplifies data management by localizing information processing to each control section rather than requiring centralized management of all trains across the entire feeding network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If centralized control of all substations is implemented, then voltage optimization is improved, but the ease of operation and system scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage optimization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding network is divided into multiple control sections, each managed independently by a control apparatus. Each control apparatus manages only the trains and substations within its own control section, rather than managing the entire feeding network. This segmentation reduces the data processing burden on each individual apparatus while maintaining effective regenerative power utilization within each section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control apparatus independently manages its own control section using train operation information from trains within that section. The control apparatuses operate autonomously without requiring centralized coordination, making the system easier to operate and more scalable. Each unit serves itself by making local decisions based on local information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9180790B2DC feeder voltage control apparatus and DC feeder voltage control system

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A DC feeder voltage control apparatus includes a model-information storing unit storing train model information on each train running in a control section, substation model information on each substation, and feeding network model information in the control section, a fixed-voltage-value storing unit storing a fixed voltage value of a substation voltage set for each substation, a train-operation-state-information acquiring unit acquiring positions and operation state information on the trains running in the control section, a first-substation-voltage fixing unit outputting the fixed voltage value to two first substations located at both ends of the control section, and a second-substation-voltage calculating unit calculating a setting voltage value of the substation voltage in at least one second substation located between the two first substations based on the information, and substation voltages and substation currents of the first substations to output to the second substation.