Distributed Load Control Device for Power Factor Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power systems face inefficiencies and instability due to power factor control, transformer load imbalance, and nonlinear loads, which result in significant power loss and require costly, high-maintenance solutions for compensation.
Innovation Solution
A load control device is implemented at subscriber premises, using a sensing system to detect load variations and a power supply component to manage power delivery, balancing loads between phases, and employing active and passive compensation methods to improve power factor and reduce harmonic distortion, with communication systems for network control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage and high power correction equipment is installed at distribution substations, then power factor control and voltage correction can be achieved, but the cost is significant and the solution is less than optimal with low fault tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the centralized power factor correction system into distributed intelligent agents deployed at individual premises and network elements. Each agent independently monitors and controls power factor locally, eliminating the need for complex centralized equipment while improving fault tolerance through distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent agents at each premise autonomously perform power factor correction without requiring centralized control or complex infrastructure. Each agent self-adjusts based on local load conditions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of repair
If static or switched capacitor banks and switched reactors are used for power factor correction, then power factor control can be achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and the solution becomes less optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical capacitor banks and switched reactors with software-based intelligent agents that use power electronics to achieve power factor correction. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical wear, reducing maintenance while improving energy efficiency through precise electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If universal power flow controllers are deployed to balance loads and control bus voltages, then load balancing can be achieved, but the investment in custom equipment and infrastructure is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent agents are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can perform power factor correction, load balancing, and voltage control using standard communication and power electronics components. This eliminates the need for custom-designed universal power flow controllers while maintaining all necessary functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Management of an electrical power transmission network is obtained by providing at each subscriber premises a power correction system for applying a switched reactor for voltage correction across the input voltage and a sensing system defined by a pair of meters one at the supply and the second downstream of the voltage correction for detecting variations in power factor. The system includes an arrangement for balancing loads between a first phase on a first BUS and a second phase on a second BUS by calculating a required correction current by adding load currents from the first and second phases. In addition an arrangement is provided when a load is switched on and off power is supplied by or supplied to a battery for a short time and this power is reduced over a time period substantially matching or greater than said natural time constant of the power supply system.