Grid Simulator Voltage Compensation for Virtual Impedance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for simulating power grid conditions for testing power converters, such as those used in wind turbines, are limited in accurately simulating various grid conditions and faults due to latency issues and the need for actual hardware changes to simulate different grid strengths.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a computing system to access a reference voltage value associated with a simulated power grid, modify it based on virtual impedance, apply phase and magnitude compensation, and control a grid simulator to generate an output signal that accurately simulates grid conditions, allowing for testing of power converters without requiring actual hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grid simulation systems are used to simulate power grid conditions, then hardware changes are required to simulate different grid strengths, but this increases device complexity and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the simulation approach from hardware modifications to parameter modifications. By adjusting virtual impedance parameters and control algorithm parameters in software, the system can simulate different grid conditions (strong grid, weak grid, faults) without any physical hardware changes, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hardware modification system with a computational software-based system. Instead of physically changing grid simulation hardware, the invention uses computing systems to calculate and apply virtual impedance and control parameters, substituting computational methods for physical modifications
2Productivity
If traditional grid simulation systems are used, then actual hardware changes are needed for different grid strengths, but this increases testing time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational setup by pre-calculating virtual impedance parameters and control algorithm parameters for different grid conditions. These parameters are stored and can be quickly loaded during testing, eliminating the need for time-consuming hardware reconfiguration and significantly improving testing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of different grid conditions through computational models rather than physical replicas. By using virtual impedance and software-based grid simulation, the system can instantly switch between different grid scenarios without the time required for physical hardware reconfiguration, thereby increasing testing efficiency
3Measurement precision
If simple voltage control is used in grid simulation, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot accurately simulate high-frequency events and grid faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the control algorithm that automatically adjust virtual impedance parameters based on detected grid conditions. The system continuously monitors simulated grid parameters and dynamically modifies control parameters to accurately represent various grid scenarios, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static voltage control system into a dynamic adaptive control system. The virtual impedance and control algorithm parameters dynamically adjust based on the simulated grid conditions, allowing the system to accurately respond to high-frequency events and faults while the computing system handles the complexity, maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for simulating electric power grid conditions includes accessing, with a computing system, a reference voltage value associated with an electric power grid being simulated. Furthermore, the method includes modifying, with the computing system, the reference voltage value based on a virtual impedance associated with a condition on the electric power grid being simulated. Additionally, the method includes applying, with the computing system, a phase and magnitude compensation to the modified reference voltage value. Moreover, the method includes controlling, with the computing system, an operation of a grid simulator such that the grid simulator generates an output signal based on the modified voltage value after the phase and magnitude compensation has been applied, the output signal being applied to a power converter being tested to simulate the condition.