Energy Processing Unit for LV Grid Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing integration of privately owned and operated distributed energy generation (DEG) devices into low voltage (LV) distribution networks is degrading power quality, leading to voltage volatility, frequency aberrations, and potential grid disruptions, as these devices were not initially designed to handle the complex loads and changing power factors, causing malfunctions and damage to electrical equipment and disrupting power distribution.
Innovation Solution
The installation of individual energy processing unit (EPU) devices along sections of the LV distribution network, which regulate voltage to tight tolerances, allowing for the connection of multiple DEG devices without degrading power quality, and enabling efficient energy distribution and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed energy generation (DEG) devices are connected to LV distribution networks, then energy generation capability and power supply diversity are improved, but power quality degrades due to voltage volatility and frequency aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage regulator as an intermediary device between the DEG devices and the LV distribution network. This voltage regulator actively monitors and adjusts voltage levels, compensating for the voltage volatility and frequency aberrations caused by DEG connections, thereby maintaining power quality while enabling energy generation diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by continuously monitoring voltage and frequency parameters and adjusting regulator settings in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions caused by DEG operations, maintaining stable power quality parameters despite variations in energy generation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DEG devices are connected to LV distribution networks, then energy distribution flexibility is improved, but voltage stability deteriorates leading to grid disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator serves as a mediator that isolates the LV distribution network from voltage fluctuations caused by multiple DEG devices. It actively balances voltage levels across the network, preventing voltage instability and grid disruptions while allowing flexible connection of multiple energy generation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the voltage regulator continuously monitors voltage levels across the distribution network and automatically adjusts its regulation action in response to detected voltage deviations. This closed-loop control maintains voltage stability even as multiple DEG devices operate with varying output levels
Data Source
AI summary
In the present legacy electrical power generation and distribution system, the power quality delivered to end consumers is being degraded by a number of disruptive technologies and legislative impacts; especially with the rapidly increasing myriad of privately owned and operated domestic and commercial distributed energy generation (DEG) devices connected at any point across a low voltage (LV) distribution network. The present invention bypasses this increasing critical DEG problem by offering a solution comprising an energy processing unit (EPU) that is installed at the edge of the high voltage (HV) transmission grid.