Power Distribution System with Predictive VVO Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing real and reactive power, particularly in maintaining optimal voltage levels to minimize energy consumption and reduce energy losses, as current Voltage and VAR Optimization (VVO) schemes may not always result in energy savings due to varying load conditions and seasonal changes.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution system incorporating a capacitor bank controller, a transformer, and a voltage regulating device controller, which uses control logic to selectively switch capacitor banks and adjust voltage, based on predictive models and real-time data analysis, to optimize energy consumption by determining the difference between adjusted and non-adjusted energy consumption, and sending signals to control the VVO scheme activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If VVO scheme is activated to maintain voltage close to 114 volts, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines when to activate or deactivate the VVO scheme by comparing predicted adjusted energy consumption against non-adjusted energy consumption, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions based on predictive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses predictive modeling to estimate future energy consumption before actually implementing VVO scheme adjustments. By calculating predicted adjusted energy consumption in advance and comparing it with non-adjusted consumption, the system prepares and plans control actions beforehand, avoiding reactive complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If VVO scheme is used to optimize voltage delivery, then energy efficiency improves, but reliability decreases because energy savings are not guaranteed under varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidenergy savings guarantee
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring actual energy consumption and comparing it with predicted adjusted energy consumption. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual performance and adjust future predictions, ensuring more reliable energy savings while adapting to varying load conditions and seasonal changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation by switching between adjusted and non-adjusted modes based on real-time conditions. The controller evaluates multiple variables including time of day, seasonal changes, and load conditions to dynamically determine when VVO scheme activation will actually produce energy savings, making the system adaptable rather than rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If capacitor banks are selectively switched to adjust voltage, then voltage regulation precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional switching control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation precisionVSAvoidswitching control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller combines multiple functions into a single device: it predicts energy consumption, determines optimal switching strategies, controls capacitor bank switches, and monitors system performance. By merging these functions, the system achieves precise voltage regulation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple purposes: it acts as an energy consumption predictor, a decision-making engine for VVO activation, and a switch controller for capacitor banks. This multi-functionality allows precise voltage regulation through a single universal control device rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for precise adjustment of energy consumption, reducing real power losses and enhancing system efficiency by activating or deactivating the VVO scheme based on predicted energy savings, thereby optimizing energy usage and reducing costs during peak hours.

Implementation Method 1

at least one capacitor bank with a capacitor bank controller... The capacitor bank controller controls a switch for selectively connecting the capacitor bank to the feeder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The transformer converts a transmission or a sub-transmission voltage to a distribution voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

at least one voltage regulating device having a voltage regulating device controller... controls a source voltage through the voltage regulating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8731728B2Power distribution system
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 GE DIGITAL HLDG LLC
  • US8731728B2 patent drawing
  • US8731728B2 patent drawing
  • US8731728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power distribution system is provided, including at least one capacitor bank with a capacitor bank controller, a transformer, at least one voltage regulating device with a voltage regulating device controller, and a controller. The capacitor bank is selectively connected to the feeder and a capacitor bank controller. The capacitor bank controller controls a switch for selectively connecting the capacitor bank to the feeder. The transformer delivers power to the power distribution system through the feeder. The transformer converts a transmission or a sub-transmission voltage into a distribution voltage. The controller is in communication with the capacitor bank controller, the voltage regulating device, and the transformer. The controller selectively switches the at least one capacitor bank to adjust voltage in the feeder. The controller selectively sends commands to the voltage regulating device to change a source voltage.