Grid Load Shedding Detection via Electrical Parameter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and controlling consumer-side load shedding in electrical networks are delayed, leading to uncontrolled shutdowns of power generation systems and resulting in economic losses and network instability, as they rely on mechanical speed measurements and slow-reacting frequency changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures currents and voltages between generators and the electrical network to derive signals for controlling rotating machines, allowing for early detection and anticipatory reduction of power output based on calculated time gradients of electrical variables, eliminating the need for mechanical speed measurements and enabling faster, case-specific reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical speed measurement and frequency change are used for detecting load shedding, then the detection is based on direct physical parameters, but the reaction time is delayed and uncontrolled shutdowns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring electrical variables (voltage, current, power) before mechanical speed changes occur. The evaluation unit continuously monitors these electrical parameters and detects load shedding conditions at their inception, generating control signals before the rotating mass inertia causes delayed frequency changes. This allows anticipatory control of the power output rather than reactive control after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical speed measurement systems with electrical parameter measurement. Instead of using tachometers or frequency-based detection that respond to mechanical inertia, the system uses voltage, current, and power measurements that instantly reflect changes in load conditions. This substitution eliminates the inherent time delay caused by the inertia of rotating masses.
2Reliability
If late reaction measures are taken after load shedding, then the power generation systems can be protected from overspeed, but uncontrolled shutdowns and economic losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring electrical variables (voltage, current, active power, reactive power) and using the evaluation unit to compare these against expected values. When deviations indicating load shedding are detected, the system immediately generates control signals to adjust power output. This closed-loop feedback enables both protection and maintained productivity by preventing the need for uncontrolled shutdowns.
3Reliability
If the braking torque of consumers is separated by opening circuit breakers, then the power generation systems are protected from damage, but the rotating systems accelerate to maximum speed and require uncontrolled shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting load shedding through electrical parameter changes before the braking torque separation occurs. The evaluation unit generates control signals to gradually reduce power output in anticipation of the load change, preventing the sudden acceleration that would otherwise occur when consumers are disconnected. This maintains network stability while protecting equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the early detection and proactive control of load shedding on the consumer side in an electrical network (17) which is supplied with alternating current by a generator (16) driven by at least one rotating machine/turbine (15). A fast, safe and system-friendly response to a load shedding on the consumer side is made possible by measuring currents (B) and voltages (A) between the at least one generator (16) and the AC or three-phase electrical network (17) and/or in the AC or three-phase electrical network (17), and by deriving and using one or more signals (O, Oi, P, Pi) from the measured currents (B) and voltages (A) for intervention in the at least one rotating machine/turbine (15).