Distributed VAR Devices for Feeder Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage and VAR control methods rely on primary side assets that are electromechanical, slow, and sparsely deployed, leading to sub-optimal performance in maintaining acceptable voltage and reactive power flow, especially with the integration of distributed generation and changing load dynamics, which increases operational expenses and voltage volatility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a computer-implemented method for voltage and VAR control using distributed VAR devices that set their voltage setpoints equal to the transformer voltage setpoint, enabling self-balancing of the power system and providing dynamic, autonomous control at the edge of the network, including the use of edge of network grid VAR sources such as smart inverters and ENGO devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional primary side assets (electromechanical voltage regulators and capacitor banks) are used for voltage and VAR control, then voltage control capability is provided, but the response speed is slow and deployment density is low, leading to sub-optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical voltage regulators and capacitor banks with solid-state distributed voltage control devices that use power electronics. These devices provide fast response times (milliseconds vs. seconds/minutes for electromechanical systems) while maintaining voltage control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between response speed and control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the centralized voltage control function into multiple distributed control nodes throughout the network. Instead of relying on a few sparsely deployed electromechanical devices, numerous solid-state controllers are distributed across the grid, increasing both response speed and overall system reliability through redundancy and localized control.
2Device complexity
If sparsely deployed electromechanical assets are used, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage volatility increases and operational expenses rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of voltage control by using solid-state devices that can rapidly adjust voltage levels and react to changing load conditions. This enables dynamic voltage optimization that reduces energy losses and operational expenses, while the modular nature of distributed solid-state devices keeps system complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage control methods are used, then basic voltage regulation is achieved, but adaptability to distributed generation and changing load dynamics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control using solid-state devices that can rapidly adapt to changing grid conditions, including distributed generation integration and varying load dynamics. The controllers continuously monitor and adjust voltage levels in real-time, providing the adaptability needed for modern grids with high renewable penetration while maintaining stability through fast response capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of edge of network grid volt ampere reactive (VAR) sources are provided in a power system in order to effectuate control at a customer level, which in turn effectuates control at a feeder level, which in turn effectuates control of an entire power system or wide area electric grid network. By optimally selecting voltage setpoints and applying such voltage setpoints to the plurality of edge of network grid VAR sources, the power system can be configured to self-balance, power factor compensation can be determined without the need for measuring load power factor. Moreover, traditionally volatile voltages at the feeder can be flattened, and VAR control can be realized.