Modular FACTS Devices Using External Fault Current Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FACTS devices are limited by their complex and costly internal fault-handling capabilities, making them unsuitable for large-scale distributed applications due to high weight, volume, and custom design, which hinders their adoption in power transmission and distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an external fault current protection module removes the need for internal fault protection within FACTS devices, allowing for modular, standardized, and lighter designs that can be easily configured and used in distributed applications, with communication modules coordinating the operation of multiple FACTS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal fault protection circuitry is integrated into FACTS devices, then fault handling capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FACTS device into separate functional modules: the main FACTS device and external fault protection devices. The fault protection function is segmented from the main device, allowing each to be optimized independently. This reduces the complexity of the main FACTS device while maintaining comprehensive fault handling capability through the external protection modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external fault protection devices as intermediary components between the FACTS device and the power system. These intermediary devices handle fault currents and protect the main FACTS device, reducing its design complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If custom-built FACTS devices are designed for specific applications, then fault handling capability is improved, but adaptability and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal fault protection modules that can be applied to multiple types of FACTS devices and applications. The standardized external protection devices provide multi-functional fault handling capability, allowing FACTS devices to be adapted to different applications without custom-designed protection circuitry, enabling plug-and-play deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the fault protection function into separate, standardized modules, the patent enables universal applicability across different FACTS device types and applications, improving adaptability and scalability.
3Reliability
If comprehensive fault protection circuitry is included in FACTS devices, then reliability is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault protection function into separate external devices, allowing the main FACTS device to be lighter and more compact. The protection functionality is distributed to external components, reducing the weight and volume of the primary device while maintaining comprehensive fault protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fault protection circuitry from the main FACTS device and places it in external devices. This extraction reduces the weight and volume of the main device while preserving the fault handling capability through the external protection modules.
4Reliability
If comprehensive fault protection circuitry is included in FACTS devices, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops universal, standardized fault protection modules that can be mass-produced and applied to multiple FACTS devices. This standardization reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining reliable fault protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the protection function into separate, standardized modules, the patent enables independent manufacturing and optimization of each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive protection capability.
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 the weight and volume of FACTS devices, enhances system reliability, and lowers costs by standardizing modules, enabling efficient distributed power grid control and facilitating modular replacement and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
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AI summary
Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) enabling distributed controls is a requirement for power transmission and distribution, to improve line balancing and distribution efficiency. These FACTS devices are electronic circuits that vary in the type of services they provide. All FACTS devices have internal circuitry to handle fault currents. Most of these circuits are unique in design for each manufacturer, which make these FACTS devices non-modular, non-interchangeable, expensive and heavy. One of the most versatile FACTS device is the static synchronous series compensator (SSSC), which is used to inject impedance into the transmission lines to change the power flow characteristics. The addition of integrated fault current handling circuitry makes the SSSC and similar FACTS devices unwieldy, heavy, and not a viable solution for distributed control. What is disclosed are modifications to FACTS devices that move the fault current protection external to the FACTS device and make them modular and re-usable.