Modular FACTS Devices Using External Fault Current Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FACTS devices are limited by custom-designed internal fault handling capabilities, making them non-modular, heavy, and costly, which hinders their adoption for distributed power transmission and distribution applications due to high complexity and vulnerability to fault currents.
Innovation Solution
Moving the fault current protection module external to the FACTS devices, allowing for modular, standardized, and lighter designs that can be easily coordinated and protected through external communication and control systems, enabling plug-and-play functionality and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fault current protection circuitry is integrated into FACTS devices, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FACTS system into modular units, each with its own integrated fault protection circuitry. This segmentation allows each module to be independently protected without requiring complex system-wide protection schemes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fault protection functionality from centralized system-level design and embeds it directly into each FACTS device module. This extraction eliminates the need for complex external protection circuits and inter-module coordination, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built FACTS devices are designed for specific applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal FACTS modules with standardized interfaces and integrated fault protection that can be deployed across multiple applications. The modular architecture allows the same base module to serve different functions (series compensation, shunt compensation, reactive power compensation) through configuration rather than custom design, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates fault protection circuitry and control logic into the modular design during the manufacturing phase, rather than requiring custom integration for each application. This preliminary action allows the modules to be pre-tested and certified for specific applications, reducing on-site installation complexity and manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If robust fault protection circuitry is added to FACTS devices, then reliability is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the fault protection circuitry within the existing FACTS device structure, utilizing available space efficiently. The protection circuits are integrated into the modular architecture, sharing components and housing with the main FACTS functionality, thereby minimizing additional volume requirements.
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 approach reduces the volume and weight of FACTS devices, enhances system reliability, and facilitates their use in distributed applications by standardizing modules, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness for power transmission and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
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.