Inverter Reactive Power Control for Grid Overvoltage Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decentralized photovoltaic energy sources in low-voltage networks cause overvoltages due to the injection of active power, leading to detrimental effects on the network's functioning, and existing voltage regulation methods are insufficient or harmful to the electricity producers by reducing active power.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing photovoltaic decentralized electricity production units that involves measuring voltage at the connection point and controlling reactive power to absorb overvoltages, using an affine function to adjust reactive power based on measured voltage, ensuring the electricity producer's remuneration is not affected by maintaining active power injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If decentralized photovoltaic sources inject active power into the low-voltage network, then the electricity producer's remuneration is improved, but overvoltages occur that are detrimental to network functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the photovoltaic source from active power injection to reactive power absorption. By controlling the inverter to absorb reactive power when voltage exceeds the threshold, the system maintains active power injection for remuneration while preventing overvoltages through parameter transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reactive power as an intermediary mechanism to resolve the conflict between active power injection and voltage control. The reactive power absorption acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain active power for economic benefit while using reactive power as a control variable to prevent overvoltages.
2Power
If static regulators adjust the transformation ratio between HVA and LV voltage levels, then voltage level adjustment is achieved, but the adjustment is not dynamic and insufficient to maintain voltage within regulatory ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static voltage regulation approach into a dynamic one by implementing real-time voltage monitoring and continuous adjustment of reactive power absorption. The system dynamically responds to voltage variations by adjusting the reactive power setpoint based on measured voltage levels, enabling adaptive regulation that follows voltage changes in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the measured voltage at the connection point is continuously compared against a reference threshold, and the reactive power absorption is adjusted based on the deviation. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively regulates network voltage without reducing active power injection, preventing overvoltages and ensuring the network operates within regulatory ranges while protecting the producer's remuneration.
Implementation Method 1
based on the value of this voltage, the inverter (120) is controlled to adjust the reactive power it exchanges with the network and to absorb potential overvoltages
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for managing a decentralized photovoltaic electricity production unit connected to an alternative electrical network, comprising an electrical source connected to a photovoltaic inverter to enable its connection to the electrical network, the method comprising a step of measuring the voltage on the electrical network at the point of connection, and a step of controlling the inverter allowing control of the reactive power exchanged in order to absorb overvoltages on said electrical network.