Grid-Frequency Motor Drive Control for Power-Limited Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The replacement of direct-on-line motors with drive control systems in electric grids leads to reduced grid stability during frequency decreases, as these systems consume constant power independently of grid frequency, failing to adapt and contribute to kinetic energy loss, necessitating load shedding or new power generation.

Innovation Solution

A control process that adjusts drive commands for motors and load systems based on grid frequency, including power, torque, and current limitations, or stop commands, to reduce power consumption and mimic direct-on-line motor behavior, thereby stabilizing the grid without external TSO commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If drive control systems with electronic switches replace contactors to control motors, then energy efficiency is improved, but electrical grid stability deteriorates during frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical grid stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts motor power consumption based on grid frequency conditions. During normal operation, the motor runs at optimal efficiency point with constant power. When grid frequency decreases, the control system automatically reduces power consumption to match the reduced kinetic energy available in the grid, thereby maintaining grid stability while preserving energy efficiency benefits during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the motor control system based on grid frequency. The control system monitors grid frequency and adjusts motor parameters (power, torque, or current) accordingly. When frequency drops below a threshold, the system transitions from constant power mode to reduced power mode, changing the operational state to adapt to grid conditions and prevent further frequency deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If motors controlled by control systems operate at constant power independently of grid frequency, then optimal efficiency is maintained, but grid stability is reduced during frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal efficiencyVSAvoidgrid stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements feedback by continuously monitoring grid frequency and using this information to adjust motor power consumption. The control system receives feedback signals indicating grid frequency status and automatically modifies operational parameters to maintain both efficiency and stability, transitioning from constant power operation to adaptive power operation based on real-time grid conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If load shedding is implemented to balance production and consumption during incidents, then grid stability is improved, but productivity is reduced due to complete disconnection of loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid stabilityVSAvoidload operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of complete load shedding (100% disconnection), the invention applies partial action by reducing motor power consumption to a controlled level during frequency drops. The control system implements intermediate power reduction strategies (power limitation, torque limitation, or current limitation) that partially reduce load demand rather than completely disconnecting it, thereby maintaining some productivity while improving grid stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4462626A1Stabilization process for an electric grid
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SCHNEIDER TOSHIBA INVERTER EUROPE SAS
  • EP4462626A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4462626A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4462626A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns a control process for a control system (60, 70, 100, 120) of a load system (30, 31, 32, 90) connected to an electric grid through said control system wherein said control process (40, 50, 41, 51, 42, 52, 43, 53) is configured to provide one or more adapted drive commands (Xlim, Ylim) to such control system dependent on the grid frequency (ω). The control system may comprise an inverter, a converter, a thyristor bridge or contactors ad the load may be a motor. The disclosure also concerns a control device for implementing the Control process.