HVDC Network Unit State Control for Modular Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of state control in HVDC networks increases exponentially with the number of independent states, leading to increased engineering efforts and risks of inconsistencies, and hinders modularity and expandability.
Innovation Solution
The HVDC network is divided into smallest functional building blocks, defining network units with standardized states based on connection status and operating voltage, allowing modular state control and efficient transitions using switching units and a predefined gate sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comprehensive state control system is implemented to manage all possible states of HVDC network components, then the system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HVDC network into independent network units, each with its own state control. Instead of managing all possible states of the entire network centrally, each network unit independently manages its own states and transitions. This segmentation reduces the overall system complexity from exponential to linear scale, while maintaining reliability through distributed control.
2Reliability
If a detailed state diagram is created to define all admissible transitions between states, then the system reliability is improved, but the engineering efforts increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The state diagram is segmented into multiple independent state diagrams, one for each network unit. Each unit has its own simplified state diagram defining only its local states and transitions. This eliminates the need to create and manage a single comprehensive state diagram for the entire network, dramatically reducing engineering efforts while maintaining reliability through proper coordination of unit-level transitions.
3Reliability
If the system is designed as a closed system with fixed state control logic, then the system reliability is improved, but the adaptability for system expansion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, closed state control design to a dynamic, modular architecture where network units can be independently added or removed. Each unit maintains its own state control logic, allowing the system to adapt to changes in configuration without requiring complete redesign of the overall state control system, thus improving expandability while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modularization is introduced to improve system expandability, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of flaws in control logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each network unit monitors its own state and the states of neighboring units. This feedback ensures that state transitions maintain system consistency and prevent conflicting states. The inter-unit communication and state verification provide automatic detection and correction of control logic flaws, maintaining reliability while enabling modularity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of operating an HVDC network (1), said HVDC network comprising a first network unit (13) connected to at least a second network unit (16), and a switching unit (19) for connecting and disconnecting said first and said second network unit, the method comprising the steps of determining an initial operating state of said first network unit (13), determining a target operating state for said first network unit (16), wherein said initial and said target operating states each depend on presence or absence of an operating voltage at said first network unit, and the number of network units connected to said first network unit, transferring said first network unit (13) from said initial to said target operating state by means of said switching unit (19). Further the present invention relates to an HVDC network configured to be operated according to the above method.