FIDVR Detection and Reactive Power Control in Power Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power transmission and distribution systems face challenges in promptly recovering voltage after a fault, leading to fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR) events, which can cause widespread stalling of inductive loads like air conditioning motors, resulting in prolonged voltage depression and increased risk of blackouts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system and method to detect faults likely to cause FIDVR events and employing control strategies such as reactive power support through capacitor banks, selective load disconnection, and transformer tap changes to mitigate the severity of these events within a controlled time window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional fault clearance methods are used, then the fault is removed quickly, but voltage recovery is delayed due to motor re-acceleration causing prolonged voltage depression
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fault conditions that are likely to cause FIDVR events before the actual voltage recovery issue occurs. By identifying critical fault characteristics (duration, magnitude, system state), the control system can prepare and execute mitigation actions proactively, preventing the delayed voltage recovery problem from developing fully.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors voltage levels, fault conditions, and motor load states to detect when FIDVR conditions are developing. This feedback mechanism triggers automated control responses that adjust system operation in real-time, counteracting the delayed voltage recovery by detecting the problem early and responding dynamically.
2Productivity
If motor re-acceleration is allowed after fault clearance, then motors resume normal operation, but this causes widespread stalling and prolonged voltage depression
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting fault conditions that would lead to harmful FIDVR effects and executing control actions to prevent these effects. By identifying critical fault characteristics before motor re-acceleration begins, the system can counteract the harmful voltage depression and stalling effects before they propagate through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful motor re-acceleration process into a beneficial outcome by implementing controlled re-acceleration strategies. Through reactive power support and selective load management, the system allows motors to recover while preventing the harmful cascade of widespread stalling and prolonged voltage depression.
3Reliability
If reactive power support and load management are implemented, then FIDVR severity is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using automated detection and control algorithms that independently identify FIDVR conditions and execute appropriate mitigation actions without requiring complex external intervention. The control system monitors itself and automatically adjusts reactive power support and load management based on detected fault characteristics, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
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
The proposed solution effectively reduces the duration and severity of FIDVR events by providing timely reactive power support and load management, minimizing the risk of prolonged voltage depression and blackouts.
Implementation Method 1
reactive power support through capacitor banks
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods for detecting and correcting a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event in an electric power transmission and distribution system. In some embodiments, a fault detection subsystem may receive an indication of a fault in the electric power transmission and distribution system. The system may also include a load analysis subsystem to analyze a plurality of loads supplied by the electric power system and to generate an estimated response of the loads. A fault analysis subsystem may analyze a plurality of factors relating to the fault and to determine a probability of the fault generating a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event. A control system may then implement a control strategy within a control window following the fault based on the probability of the fault generating a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event and the estimated response of the at least one load.