Load Zone Switching Based on Transient Overload Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for overcurrent protection in power grids, particularly DC power grids, often disconnect load zones due to short-term overloads that are tolerable, and time-lag fuses fail to provide rapid disconnection during sustained overloads.
Innovation Solution
A method and switch module that capture and save load profiles to define tolerance ranges for operating parameters within a short time window, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid disconnection only when parameters exceed these ranges, ensuring safe operation and preventing unnecessary disconnections during short-term load spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time-lag fuses or protective devices with time delay are used to tolerate short-term overloads, then short-term load spikes can be permitted, but disconnection speed for sustained overloads becomes too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device dynamically adjusts its response based on the duration and magnitude of the overload. By capturing load profiles and defining tolerance ranges for different time windows, the system transitions from a static time-lag characteristic to a dynamic protection scheme that can rapidly disconnect for sustained overloads while tolerating short-term spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the protection parameters by defining multiple time windows with different tolerance ranges. Instead of a single fixed time-lag characteristic, the system uses adjustable tolerance ranges that can be adapted to the specific load profile, enabling fast disconnection when parameters exceed the tolerance range while permitting short-term overloads within the defined ranges.
2Reliability
If overcurrent circuit-breakers with predefined characteristics are used for protection, then overcurrent protection is provided, but unnecessary disconnections occur during short-term load spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and saving load profiles during normal operation to establish a baseline of acceptable transient behavior. This preliminary characterization of the load's normal transient response enables the protection system to distinguish between acceptable short-term spikes and dangerous sustained overloads, preventing unnecessary disconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback by continuously monitoring the load current, comparing it against the saved load profile and defined tolerance ranges, and adjusting the protection response accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn the load's characteristics and provide intelligent protection that maintains operational continuity while ensuring safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and switch module are for operating a load zone on a power grid. In an embodiment of the method, at least one load profile is captured and stored during setup operation of the load zone, documenting a temporal progression of a load zone current or voltage in a time window after closing of the current path. Based on the at least one load profile, a tolerance range for the temporal progression of at least one operating parameter of the load zone in the time window is defined. During normal operation of the load zone, the temporal progression of the at least one operating parameter in the time window after closing the current path is monitored and the load zone is disconnected from the power grid upon the temporal progression of an operating parameter in the time window, after closing the current path, being outside the tolerance range.