Reactive Power Compensation Assembly for HVDC Converter Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission networks, existing coordinated control methods for grid-connected power converters and reactive power compensation devices do not optimize equipment performance and losses effectively, particularly in responding to reactive current demands across varying thresholds.

Innovation Solution

An electrical assembly comprising at least one power converter and one dynamic reactive power source, where the dynamic reactive power source adjusts its reactive power exchange with the AC network based on the reactive current demand of the power converter, optimizing equipment performance by maintaining the power converter within a defined operating range and reducing losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the power converter independently handles reactive power compensation, then the converter can respond to reactive current demands, but the equipment performance is not optimized and losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower converter lossesVSAvoidconverter performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the reactive power compensation function into two separate components: the power converter and the dynamic reactive power source. This segmentation allows each component to operate within optimized performance ranges, with the converter focusing on active power transmission and the dynamic reactive power source handling reactive power compensation, thereby reducing overall losses while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic reactive power source acts as an intermediary component that supplements the power converter's reactive power exchange. By introducing this intermediate element, the converter is freed from the burden of handling full reactive power demands, allowing it to operate more efficiently while the dynamic reactive power source manages the compensation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the power converter operates at high reactive current demand, then reactive power compensation is achieved, but the converter cannot meet additional active power demand and operates outside optimal range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive power capacityVSAvoidreactive current response capability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control where the dynamic reactive power source adjusts its reactive power exchange based on real-time monitoring of the converter's reactive current demand. When the converter's reactive current demand crosses predefined thresholds, the dynamic reactive power source automatically supplements the compensation, enabling the converter to maintain adaptability across varying operating conditions while preserving active power capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the dynamic reactive power source based on the converter's reactive current demand characteristics. By monitoring threshold crossings and adjusting the dynamic reactive power source's output accordingly, the system optimizes the converter's active power capacity while maintaining adequate reactive power compensation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single dynamic reactive power source is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot provide differentiated support to multiple power converters with different reactive current characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter-specific threshold supportVSAvoidnumber of dynamic reactive power sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality control by assigning different reactive current characteristic thresholds to different power converters based on their specific operating requirements. Each converter-monitor pair is configured with customized thresholds that reflect the local needs of that particular converter, enabling differentiated support without requiring a proportional increase in the number of dynamic reactive power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If the power converter handles all reactive power exchange, then no additional dynamic reactive power source is needed, but the converter rating is not optimized and bandwidth for dynamic response is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter efficiencyVSAvoidassembly configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the power converter and dynamic reactive power source into a coordinated assembly where both components work together to achieve optimized performance. The converter handles active power transmission while the dynamic reactive power source provides supplementary reactive power compensation, creating a synergistic system that improves overall productivity despite increased structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4184740B1Electrical assembly for reactive power compensation
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP4184740B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4184740B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4184740B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

There is provided an electrical assembly comprising at least one power converter (20) and at least one dynamic reactive power source (52), the or each power converter (20) and the or each dynamic reactive power source (52) connectable to an AC network (40), the or each power converter (20) and the or each dynamic reactive power source (52) operable to exchange reactive power with the AC network (40), wherein the or each dynamic reactive power source (52) is configured to selectively adjust its exchange of reactive power with the AC network (40) in response to a characteristic of a reactive current demand of the or each power converter (20) crossing a or a respective reactive current characteristic threshold.