Distributed Single-Phase Capacitor Banks for Grid Power Factor Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transmission and distribution systems face inefficiencies due to low power factors, leading to increased transmission losses, equipment wear, and the need for costly infrastructure and maintenance, with existing solutions like capacitor banks being large, difficult to install, and lacking control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A single-phase grid correction system with remotely controlled capacitor banks and switches located at consumer premises, allowing for dynamic power factor correction and load management to reduce reactive power demand and prevent uncontrolled load shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitor banks are added at substations to improve power factor, then power factor improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power factor correction function into individual single-phase units that can be independently installed at consumer premises rather than requiring large centralized capacitor banks at substations. Each unit handles one phase independently, simplifying installation and reducing complexity at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the power factor correction function from the traditional centralized substation location to the distributed consumer premises level. This spatial redistribution transforms the system architecture, allowing correction to occur at multiple distributed points rather than one centralized point, thereby reducing installation complexity at any single location.
2Reliability
If static capacitor banks are placed in distribution lines, then power factor correction is provided, but control capability is lost and line current increases during low usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces static, fixed capacitor banks with dynamically controllable switched capacitor units. Each single-phase unit can be independently switched on or off based on real-time power factor conditions, providing adaptive control that prevents over-correction during low usage periods and optimizes correction during high demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and control capabilities that measure power factor conditions and automatically adjust capacitor bank switching accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures capacitor banks are activated only when power factor correction is needed, eliminating the loss of control capability inherent in static installations.
3Loss of energy
If capacitor banks are installed to correct power factor, then transmission losses are reduced, but device size and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power factor correction into multiple small single-phase units distributed at consumer premises, the invention achieves the same overall transmission loss reduction as large centralized capacitor banks while using much smaller individual devices that are easier to install and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive single-phase capacitor units that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than large, complex, expensive centralized capacitor banks that require significant maintenance infrastructure. The modular nature allows individual units to be serviced independently.
4Reliability
If feeder lines are dropped during severe adverse conditions, then system integrity is maintained, but electricity delivery is completely disrupted for all consumers on that feeder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates electrical independence among consumers through individual single-phase correction units, so that when a feeder line must be dropped for system protection, the impact is limited to that specific feeder rather than affecting entire distribution areas. Each consumer's correction unit operates independently, allowing for more granular load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically controllable capacitor units can be switched to support voltage and power factor during adverse conditions, enabling more flexible load management that can prevent the need for complete feeder line drops and maintain electricity delivery to critical consumers during challenging grid conditions.
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 reduces transmission losses, enhances system stability, and allows for controlled load management, minimizing the need for new infrastructure and maintenance, while improving power factor and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing energy use and generation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor bank connected to the panel of at least a plurality of the consumers
Data Source
AI summary
A single phase grid correction system for correcting the power factor of an electrical power grid. The grid has a generator, transmission lines connecting the generator to distribution nodes, feeder lines radiating from each node, and groups of consumers connected to each feeder line. A capacitor bank is located at a number of consumer's premises, indoors, either beside or forming part of the consumer's normal single phase electric panel. A set of remotely controlled switches at the consumer's premises permits the capacitor banks to be switched in and out of grid connection and also allows non-essential high energy consuming loads, not necessarily inductive, to be switched on and off the grid. The grid correction systemic are widely distributed at consumer's premises throughout the grid. By remotely controlling the switches, the utility operator can switch capacitor banks at selected consumer premises in or out of the grid to provide or remove reactive power as needed, and can also selectively remove load from the grid to reduce the likelihood of sudden uncontrollable load shedding.