E-STATCOM Power Balancing With Resistive Excess Power Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited energy and power capacity of static synchronous compensators (E-STATCOMs) due to fixed energy storage, such as batteries or super-capacitors, hinders effective power balancing in AC power transmission systems, especially with the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising a static synchronous compensator device with a converter unit, energy storage unit, and a power absorption device, controlled by a control device to manage active power exchange, utilizing a resistor unit and current control unit to absorb excess power when the energy storage is full or unable to keep up with demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the energy storage capacity of E-STATCOM is increased to improve power balancing capability, then the active power absorption capability is improved, but the physical size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power absorption function is segmented into two independent components: the energy storage unit (batteries/super-capacitors) for storing energy, and the power absorption device (resistive load) for dissipating excess power. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the need for oversized energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power absorption device acts as an intermediary component that handles the mismatch between power generation and consumption. Instead of relying solely on energy storage to buffer all power fluctuations, the power absorption device serves as a mediator to dissipate excess power when generation exceeds consumption and storage capacity.
2Reliability
If the energy storage capacity is increased to handle higher power absorption demand, then the power balancing performance is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power balancing function into energy storage for temporal energy shifting and power absorption for immediate excess power handling, allowing cost-effective sizing of each component based on specific operational requirements rather than worst-case scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the E-STATCOM with a power absorption device into a hybrid system that combines the advantages of both technologies: the energy storage capability of batteries/super-capacitors and the unlimited power absorption capability of resistive loads, achieving cost-effective power balancing.
3Power
If a larger E-STATCOM is built to increase power absorption capacity, then the active power handling capability is improved, but the physical footprint and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power absorption function from the energy storage function, allowing the power absorption device to be implemented with compact resistive elements that have minimal physical footprint compared to the large volumes required for equivalent energy storage capacity.
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
Enhances power balancing in AC power transmission systems by extending active power absorption beyond the capacity of the energy storage unit, ensuring stable operation even when the energy storage is fully charged or overwhelmed, and providing a backup for the static synchronous compensator.
Implementation Method 1
a power absorption device, wherein the power absorption device comprises a resistor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement (1) which is connectable to an alternating current, AC, power transmission system, (2) the arrangement comprising a static synchronous compensator device (3) having a converter unit (4) and an energy storage unit (5) connected with the converter unit; a power absorption device (6); and a control device (9) connected with the static synchronous compensator device and with the power absorption device. The control device is configured to control the static synchronous compensator device to exchange power with the AC power transmission system, and to control the power absorption device in dependence of a charge state of the energy storage unit and a state of the power transmission system. Further, the control device is configured to determine whether or not there is a need to absorb active power from the AC power transmission system in excess of what the static synchronous compensator device is currently absorbing and to, in case of such a need, control the power absorption device to absorb active power.