Hierarchical FACTS Control for Grid Voltage Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power grid control systems struggle to efficiently manage power flow and voltage stability, particularly with the integration of unpredictable distributed generation sources and reactive power demands, leading to potential voltage collapse and system instability.

Innovation Solution

A hierarchical control system using intelligent and self-aware FACTS-based shunt and series devices, coupled with localized intelligence centers and impedance injection modules, provides dynamic optimization and reactive power support to maintain grid stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If non-conventional renewable energy sources are integrated into power grids, then energy generation capacity is improved, but grid stability deteriorates due to unpredictable energy generation and reactive power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capacityVSAvoidgrid stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces FACTS devices as intermediary components between non-conventional energy sources and the power grid. These devices act as mediators that decouple the unpredictable nature of renewable generation from the grid, providing reactive power compensation and voltage stabilization while allowing full integration of renewable capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, reactive power, impedance) through FACTS devices to maintain grid stability. By continuously adjusting these parameters in response to varying renewable generation output, the system accommodates full renewable integration without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional EMS/SCADA control systems are used, then system control capability is maintained, but response speed to transient instabilities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple hierarchical levels: local control at distribution points, regional control centers, and central EMS/SCADA. This segmentation enables faster local responses to transient instabilities while maintaining overall system coordination through the traditional control architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic response capabilities through FACTS devices that can react within cycles to transient instabilities. This dynamic behavior complements the traditional EMS/SCADA system, creating a multi-speed control architecture that addresses both fast transient events and slower operational optimizations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If FACTS based control is implemented, then power flow control capability is improved, but reactive power supply capacity deteriorates compared to traditional rotating power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower flow control capabilityVSAvoidreactive power supply capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs FACTS devices with multi-functionality, enabling them to simultaneously provide power flow control, reactive power compensation, voltage regulation, and stability enhancement. This universal capability allows single devices to perform multiple functions that previously required separate equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If distributed generation from non-conventional sources is added, then energy diversity is improved, but optimization of power flow becomes difficult due to dispersed geographical locations and unpredictable characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy diversityVSAvoidpower flow optimization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms through phasor measurement units (PMUs) and monitoring systems that continuously track the state of distributed generation and grid conditions. This real-time feedback enables dynamic optimization algorithms to adjust power flow control strategies, managing the complexity of dispersed renewable sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12609530B2Dynamic computation and heirarchical control of assets of a power grid using shunt and series connected FACTS devices

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 SMART WIRES INC

AI summary

A flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS)-based shunt system is described for use in a hierarchy in a high-voltage or medium-voltage power grid. The shunt system includes a FACTS-based shunt device, a communication link, and a shunt controller. A hierarchy in the power grid includes a supervisory utility communicably coupled to localized intelligence centers (LINCs). Each LINC is communicably coupled to one or more impedance injection modules (IIMs) that are coupled to the power grid. The hierarchy has an optimization engine. The shunt controller, of the shunt system, is to communicate and cooperate with one or more of the LINCs in the hierarchy. The shunt controller is to operate the FACTS-based shunt device in accordance with such communication and cooperation with the LINCs, to provide voltage stability to the power grid through hierarchical control according to the supervisory utility, the LINCs and the optimization engine.