Pole-Mounted STATCOM Using CHB Converter for Grid Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medium voltage STATCOMs are too large and require ground-based installations within substations, limiting their use for dynamic voltage regulation in distribution grids due to space and land access constraints, especially in areas like industrial parks and residential neighborhoods.
Innovation Solution
A compact, pole-mounted medium voltage STATCOM using a multi-level CHB converter and natural convection cooling with dielectric fluids like mineral oil or vegetable oil, eliminating the need for step-up transformers and allowing installation directly on utility poles for targeted voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medium voltage STATCOMs are used, then complete voltage regulation solution is provided, but large footprint and substation installation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The STATCOM system is divided into modular components including power electronic converters, DC link capacitors, and filtering components that can be independently arranged and configured. This segmentation allows the system to be compacted while maintaining functional integrity and voltage regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are nested within each other to maximize space utilization. For example, cooling channels are formed within enclosure walls, and multiple functional components are arranged in overlapping or concentric configurations to minimize the overall footprint while preserving all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If conventional medium voltage STATCOMs are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but additional step-up transformers and connection equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The step-up transformer and associated high voltage connection equipment are extracted from the system by using high voltage power electronic switches directly. This eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to regulate medium voltage distribution lines.
Solution Approach 2:
High voltage power electronic switches serve as direct intermediaries between the DC link and the medium voltage distribution line, replacing the traditional transformer-mediated connection. This direct coupling reduces complexity while achieving the same voltage regulation function.
3Reliability
If ground-based STATCOM installation is used, then complete system functionality is achieved, but land access constraints prevent widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal ground-based expansion to vertical pole-mounted configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension and mounting on existing utility poles, the STATCOM can be deployed in constrained areas without requiring additional land access or substation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact STATCOM design can be universally installed on standard utility poles alongside existing distribution equipment. This multi-functional mounting approach allows the same system to be deployed across diverse locations including industrial parks, residential neighborhoods, and land-constrained right-of-ways.
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 efficient, space-saving dynamic voltage regulation on distribution lines, achieving high power density and facilitating installation in constrained areas without the need for substations, thus addressing the limitations of existing STATCOMs.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling system may be configured to circulate the cooling fluid in the interior of the enclosure and through the plurality of cooling channels by way of natural convection cooling to cool the multi-level CHB converter
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fluid may include dielectric properties and it may comprise one of a mineral oil or a vegetable oil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A static synchronous compensator configured to be installed in and provide reactive power to a medium voltage electric distribution system. There is a multi-level cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converter in an enclosure, having a nominal operating voltage in the medium voltage range. There is a first electrical bushing connecting the medium voltage electric distribution system to the input of the CHB converter. There is a second electrical bushing connecting ground or floating ground to the output of the CHB converter. There is a cooling system, which circulates the cooling fluid between in the interior of the enclosure to cool the CHB converter. There is a controller to control the converter to output reactive power at a medium voltage level.