Network Control Circuit for Grid Voltage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar into electrical energy transmission networks leads to fluctuations in grid voltage and frequency, as they lack rotating mass to stabilize the network, unlike traditional power generators.

Innovation Solution

A network control circuit combining a static reactive power compensator and an electronically controllable load resistor, controlled by a power controller, to stabilize voltage and frequency by regulating reactive and active power flows electronically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If renewable energy sources (wind turbines and photovoltaic systems) are integrated into the power supply network, then the share of renewable energy increases, but the network voltage and frequency become unstable due to lack of rotating mass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshare of renewable energyVSAvoidnetwork voltage and frequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stabilization function of rotating mass with an electronic control system. A control unit monitors network voltage and frequency, and actuates at least one power electronic component (such as a converter or inverter) to regulate reactive and active power flows, thereby stabilizing the network without requiring physical rotating mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional power generators are used to stabilize the network through excitation and rotating mass, then network stability is maintained, but the system cannot adapt quickly to rapid fluctuations from renewable energy sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidresponse speed to fluctuations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the control unit continuously monitors network parameters and adjusts power electronic components in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to respond rapidly to fluctuating renewable energy input, regulating reactive and active power flows to maintain stability without the inertia limitations of conventional generators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of power electronic components (such as switching frequency, impedance, and power flow levels) based on real-time network conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters dynamically to regulate reactive and active power flows, enabling fast adaptation to renewable energy fluctuations while maintaining network stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If power electronic equipment is used to connect wind turbines and photovoltaic systems to the network, then renewable energy integration is enabled, but the equipment cannot provide rotating mass for frequency stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy integrationVSAvoidfrequency stabilization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical frequency stabilization function of rotating mass with electronic control of power electronic components. The control unit regulates the active power flow through these components, enabling frequency stabilization without requiring the power electronic equipment to provide physical rotating mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise stabilization of mains voltage and frequency, allowing for quick energy withdrawal and efficient power flow management, reducing the need for rotating mass and enhancing network stability.

Implementation Method 1

By applying an electrode voltage between the electrodes of the load resistor, such load resistors make it possible to quickly draw energy from the power supply network, which energy is converted into heat by heating the liquid in the load resistor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3602718B1Stabilization of an energy supply network
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3602718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3602718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3602718B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Stabilization of an energy supply network. The invention relates to a network regulation circuit (1) for stabilizing an energy supply network (3). The network regulation circuit (1) comprises a static reactive power compensator (5), an electronically controllable load resistor (7), a first power controller (9) which can be used to electronically set the load resistor (7), and a control unit (11) for controlling or regulating the reactive power compensator (5) and the load resistor (7). The load resistor (7) is arranged in a resistive current path (16) which is connected in parallel with at least one compensation current path (13 to 15) of the static reactive power compensator (5).