Modular FACTS Architecture With External Fault Current Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FACTS devices are custom-built for specific applications, lack a plug-and-play solution, and have integrated fault-handling circuitry that makes them large, complex, and unsuitable for distributed control applications due to high failure rates and cost.
Innovation Solution
The fault current protection modules are moved externally from the FACTS devices, making them modular, standardized, and smaller, allowing for distributed applications by using external fault current protection modules (FCPMs) that communicate with the FACTS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fault-handling circuitry is integrated into FACTS devices, then fault protection capability is provided, but device size, complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FACTS system into separate functional modules: the main FACTS device (with power electronic converters) and external fault handling circuitry. This segmentation allows the complex fault protection functions to be isolated from the main control device, reducing its complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection capability through dedicated external circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fault-handling circuitry from the main FACTS device and places it externally. This extraction removes the burden of complex fault protection design from the primary control system, simplifying its architecture while ensuring that fault handling remains a dedicated function through separate, specialized circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built FACTS devices are designed for specific applications, then application-specific performance is optimized, but interchangeability and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FACTS system into standardized modular components that can be configured for different applications. By separating the main FACTS device from application-specific fault handling circuits, the core module can be manufactured standardly while allowing customization through external circuit configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal FACTS device platform that can serve multiple applications through standardized interfaces and configurations. The external fault handling circuitry can be adapted to different application requirements while the core FACTS device remains a standardized, interchangeable module.
3Productivity
If high voltage semiconductor-based power electronic converters are used, then granular and fast control is achieved, but fault-handling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fault-handling function from the power electronic converters and implements it in external, more robust circuitry. This allows the semiconductor-based converters to focus on their strength (fast, granular control) while external circuits handle the fault protection where more robust, simpler switching devices can be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external fault handling circuitry as an intermediary between the power electronic converters and the fault conditions. This intermediary layer protects the sensitive semiconductor devices from direct exposure to fault currents while allowing the converters to maintain their high-performance control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) enabling distributed controls is a requirement for power transmission and distribution, to improve line balancing and distribution efficiency. These FACTS devices are electronic circuits that vary in the type of services they provide. All FACTS devices have internal circuitry to handle fault currents. Most of these circuits are unique in design for each manufacturer, which make these FACTS devices non-modular, non-interchangeable, expensive and heavy. One of the most versatile FACTS device is the static synchronous series compensator (SSSC), which is used to inject impedance into the transmission lines to change the power flow characteristics. The addition of integrated fault current handling circuitry makes the SSSC and similar FACTS devices unwieldy, heavy, and not a viable solution for distributed control. What is disclosed are modifications to FACTS devices that move the fault current protection external to the FACTS device and make them modular and re-usable.