Low-Voltage UPFC for Real-Time Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unified power flow controllers (UPFC) devices are not optimized for real-time regulation of alternating voltage at customer sites, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to voltage fluctuations, which result in wasted power and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a low-voltage UPFC device at the point of power consumption, equipped with a line frequency injection transformer and active rectifiers, which injects a controlled voltage in series with the grid voltage to maintain a desired low voltage value, enhancing system efficiency and allowing for real-time voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional UPFC devices are used with solid state devices and series transformers, then functional flexibility and voltage regulation capability are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential voltage injection function from the complex conventional UPFC architecture by removing the series transformer and using a power electronic device that directly injects voltage into the transmission line. This maintains the core functionality while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronic device performs multiple functions including voltage regulation, reactive power compensation, and active power flow control within a single integrated unit, replacing the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional UPFC devices regulate voltage in transmission lines, then power flow control is improved, but energy waste increases due to voltage fluctuations at customer sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors voltage at customer sites and adjusts the injected voltage accordingly. This real-time feedback enables precise voltage regulation that responds to actual conditions, preventing energy waste from voltage fluctuations while maintaining effective power flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively regulates voltage before excessive fluctuations occur by continuously monitoring conditions and making preventive adjustments, thereby avoiding energy waste from voltage deviations rather than merely reacting to them.
3Power
If voltage is regulated at transmission level, then power flow management is improved, but real-time voltage regulation at customer sites is insufficient leading to energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing voltage regulation specifically at customer sites where it is most needed, rather than uniform regulation throughout the transmission system. This localized approach addresses specific energy consumption issues at consumption points while maintaining overall power flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronic device acts as an intermediary between the transmission system and customer sites, providing real-time voltage regulation at the point of consumption. This intermediary function bridges the gap between transmission-level power flow management and local voltage control needs.
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 solution enables efficient regulation of AC voltage at customer sites, reducing energy waste and operational costs by maintaining optimal voltage levels, thereby increasing overall system efficiency and promoting energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
converting substantially all of the grid alternating current to a direct current and converting the direct current to a load alternating current and a load alternating voltage
Implementation Method 2
converting the direct current to a load alternating current and a load alternating voltage
Implementation Method 3
line frequency injection transformer which injects a controlled voltage in series with the grid voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for regulating voltage received from an electric utility grid. A unified power flow controller is provided at a point of power consumption and includes a terminal electrically coupled to a power source, which receives a grid alternating current and a grid alternating voltage from the electric utility grid. A power converter is electrically coupled to the terminal and includes an active rectifier that converts substantially all of the grid alternating current to a direct current and an inverter that converts the direct current to a load alternating current and a load alternating voltage, the load alternating voltage being less than the grid alternating voltage. A transformer is provided having first terminals electrically coupled to the power source and second terminals electrically coupled to an output of the inverter. The transformer injects the load alternating voltage in series with the grid alternating voltage.