Multi-Phase Transformer Flux Control for Stable Grid Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional electricity grid is inefficient in handling the integration of renewable energy sources due to their volatile nature, leading to increased energy losses and higher energy prices, as it struggles to maintain stability and balance supply and demand in real-time, especially with geographically distributed power generation lacking adequate monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase electrical transformer and power control apparatus with a magnetic core and interconnected phase limbs, primary, secondary, and control windings that dynamically control magnetic flux to modify output signals, addressing issues of power factor correction, harmonic content, and stability, using a single magnetically coupled core to reduce costs and iron losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional hub and spoke delivery system is used for electricity transmission, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but energy losses increase significantly due to long transmission distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electricity transmission system into multiple local microgrids that can operate independently or in coordination. Each microgrid has its own transformer and control system, allowing distributed power generation and consumption to occur locally, thereby reducing long-distance transmission losses while maintaining manageable infrastructure complexity through modular design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy generation is increased to reduce carbon emissions, then environmental impact is reduced, but grid stability deteriorates due to volatile generation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements advanced feedback control systems with monitoring instrumentation at distributed generation points. These systems continuously measure voltage, current, and power output, and automatically adjust generation and distribution to maintain grid stability. The feedback mechanisms include real-time data collection, analysis, and control signal generation to compensate for renewable energy volatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment in transformer control windings to adapt to changing renewable generation characteristics. By modifying magnetic flux parameters and electrical attributes in real-time, the system can accommodate volatile renewable input while maintaining stable output, thus preserving grid reliability despite increased renewable penetration.
3Loss of energy
If geographically distributed power generation is implemented, then transmission distances are reduced, but monitoring and control complexity increases due to lack of system insight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified control systems at each distributed generation point. The monitoring instrumentation serves dual purposes: it monitors local grid conditions and provides data for centralized optimization algorithms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring and control infrastructure, managing complexity while enabling effective oversight of distributed generation.
4Reliability
If balancing services are increased to maintain grid stability with higher renewable penetration, then grid reliability is improved, but energy prices increase due to higher non-wholesale costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables distributed energy resources to provide their own balancing services through local control systems. Each microgrid can independently adjust its generation and consumption to maintain stability, reducing the need for centralized balancing services. This self-service capability lowers the overall cost of grid maintenance and reduces energy prices by eliminating the need to purchase expensive external balancing services.
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
The solution enhances the stability and efficiency of the electricity grid by reducing energy losses, improving power factor, and maintaining a stable sinusoidal AC waveform, while supporting grid frequency and demand response, thus reducing the overall cost and complexity of energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
primary windings around the respective phase limbs to receive input electrical energy in the form of input signals for the respective electrical phases and generate corresponding magnetic fluxes in the phase limbs
Implementation Method 2
secondary windings around the respective phase limbs to generate output electrical energy in the form of output signals for respective electrical phases from magnetic fluxes in the phase limbs
Implementation Method 3
control windings around respective portions of the magnetic core to receive control signals for respective electrical phases to modify the magnetic fluxes in the respective phase limbs
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power control apparatus, including: a magnetic core having a plurality of phase limbs for respective phases of electric power, each of the phase limbs being interconnected to the other phase limbs at respective ends of the limb; primary windings around the respective phase limbs to receive input electrical energy in the form of input signals for the respective electrical phases and generate corresponding magnetic fluxes in the phase limbs; secondary windings around the respective phase limbs to generate output electrical energy in the form of output signals for respective electrical phases from magnetic fluxes in the phase limbs; and control windings around respective portions of the magnetic core to receive control signals for respective electrical phases to modify the magnetic fluxes in the respective phase limbs in order to modify the output signals generated from the secondary windings so that the output signals have one or more electrical attributes that satisfy respective predetermined criteria.