Inverter Reactive Power Control Under Apparent Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shift from traditional fossil fuel-based power generation to renewable energy sources has led to a significant loss of capacity to absorb reactive energy, exacerbating the challenge of managing reactive power in electrical power networks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a mixed integer linear programming model to control the provision and absorption of active and reactive power services, approximating the circle defined by the inequality S^2 ≥ P^2 + Q^2 as an n-sided polygon, allowing for efficient co-optimization of active and reactive power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy installations are introduced to replace traditional fossil fuel power generation, then environmental pollution and global warming are reduced, but capacity to absorb reactive energy is significantly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reactive power compensation device as an intermediary element between the renewable energy installation and the electrical network. This device includes capacitors and inductors that can generate or absorb reactive power, mediating the reactive power balance and compensating for the loss of reactive energy absorption capacity caused by the replacement of traditional power generation with renewable installations.
2Reliability
If reactive power is generated or absorbed by power generators or consumers, then network voltage levels are maintained and effective capacity is increased, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines active power control and reactive power control into a single integrated control system. The control unit simultaneously manages both active and reactive power output from the renewable energy installation, merging two previously separate control functions into one unified system. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining network voltage levels through coordinated reactive power management.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computer-implemented method of controlling provision of a reactive power service by an inverter-connected device in an electrical power network, the inverter having a maximum permitted apparent power Smax, the method comprising using a mixed integer linear programming model configured to encode the inequality Smax2≥P2+Q2, where P is active power and Q is reactive power, by approximating the circle defined by the inequality as an n-sided polygon. The method can also be used in controlling the system frequency of the power network. Also provided is a reactive power device for an electrical power supply network, the device having an inverter, the inverter having a maximum permitted apparent power Smax, operatively connected to a computing arrangement configured to run a mixed integer linear programming model that performs the method.