Multi-Phase Voltage Regulator Control for Tap Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase voltage regulators face challenges in efficiently controlling and balancing voltage levels across multiple phases in a power system, leading to inefficiencies and potential system imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase voltage regulator controller system that includes regulator controls for each phase, an electronic processor to determine voltage thresholds, and relay systems to adjust tap changers, ensuring voltage balance by converting power between phases and adjusting tap positions based on average voltage calculations and target bandcenters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-phase voltage regulator uses separate control systems for each phase, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase control systems into a single integrated controller that manages all phases through unified control logic. The controller uses a single microprocessor unit that coordinates tap changer operations across all phases, reducing the number of separate control circuits while maintaining comprehensive voltage regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can regulate voltage across multiple phases using the same control architecture. It implements both per-phase voltage regulation and inter-phase balancing functions within a single system, eliminating the need for dedicated control circuits for each phase.
2Reliability
If the system performs frequent voltage measurements and tap adjustments, then voltage balance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic voltage measurements at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The controller samples phase voltages at regular intervals and only initiates tap changer adjustments when voltage deviations exceed predefined thresholds, reducing unnecessary operations and energy consumption while maintaining voltage balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback mechanisms to monitor voltage levels and automatically adjust tap positions only when needed. By comparing measured voltages against reference values and triggering adjustments based on deviation thresholds, the system maintains voltage balance while minimizing the frequency of active corrections and associated energy usage.
3Productivity
If the system implements comprehensive voltage monitoring and coordination across all phases, then voltage distribution efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments voltage regulation into independent per-phase control functions and inter-phase coordination functions. The controller processes each phase independently to determine local voltage conditions, then applies coordination logic to balance power distribution across phases, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage assessments for each phase before initiating coordinated adjustments. By pre-evaluating voltage levels and identifying phases that require adjustment, the controller prepares optimization strategies in advance, enabling efficient power distribution without requiring complex real-time coordination during active regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a multi-phase power system includes a first phase line, a second phase line, and a third phase line. The control system includes a plurality of regulator controls including a first regulator control configured to control a first tap changer associated with the first phase line, a second regulator control configured to control a second tap changer associated with the second phase line, a third regulator control configured to control a third tap changer associated with the third phase line, and an electronic processor coupled to the first regulator control, the second regulator control, and the third regulator control. The electronic processor is configured to regulate the voltage of the multi-phase system using the first, second, and third regulator controls.