Power Network Loading Condition Determination Using Voltage Phasors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the condition of network sections in electrical power networks, such as direct measurement approaches and indirect measurement methods like WO 2011/073670, have limitations, including high investment costs and inefficient use of power conveying capacity, particularly when dealing with thermal constraints and renewable energy integration.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses indirect measurements by receiving signal amplitudes and phase angles at multiple locations in the network section to determine a condition quantity representing the loading condition, allowing for the monitoring and control of thermal constraints without the need for extensive measurement equipment, thereby optimizing power flow and reducing investment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct measurement approaches are used to monitor thermal constraints at every constraint location, then thermal constraint compliance is ensured, but investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses voltage phasor measurements at boundary locations as an intermediary to infer the thermal loading condition of the network section. Instead of directly measuring thermal constraints at every location, the system measures voltage phasors at the boundaries and uses these as mediators to calculate the loading condition, thereby reducing the need for extensive direct measurement equipment while maintaining thermal constraint compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal measurement systems with electrical measurement systems. By substituting mechanical/thermal sensors with electrical phasor measurements and computational analysis, the system achieves thermal constraint monitoring with less intrusive and more cost-effective electrical measurement equipment
2Device complexity
If indirect measurement methods are used to reduce measurement equipment, then investment cost decreases, but measurement precision may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by continuously monitoring voltage phasor measurements at the boundary locations and using these measurements to calculate the loading condition of the network section. The system uses the measured quantities (voltage amplitudes and phase angles) as feedback to determine whether the thermal constraint is violated, thereby maintaining measurement precision through continuous electrical feedback loops
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct thermal measurements to electrical voltage phasor measurements. By transforming the measurement domain from thermal parameters to electrical parameters (voltage amplitude and phase angle), the system achieves indirect measurement with sufficient precision through parameter transformation rather than direct thermal sensing
3Reliability
If conservative 'fit and forget' approach is used to ensure thermal constraint compliance, then network reliability is maintained, but power conveying capacity utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the static 'fit and forget' approach to a dynamic monitoring system. By continuously measuring voltage phasors and calculating loading conditions in real-time, the system dynamically adjusts its assessment of thermal constraint compliance. This dynamic approach allows the network to operate closer to actual thermal limits rather than conservative fixed limits, thereby improving power conveying capacity utilization while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the loading condition using voltage phasor measurements before making decisions about power flow management. By pre-calculating the loading condition based on measured quantities and comparing it with the thermal constraint limit, the system can proactively manage power flows to maximize capacity utilization while ensuring thermal compliance, rather than relying on conservative pre-established limits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus 30 for determining a condition of a network section 34 comprised in an electrical power network 32. The network section 34 is configured such that electrical power flows to or from each of plural locations in the network section. The apparatus 30 is configured to receive a first quantity in respect of a first location in the network section 34 and to receive a second quantity in respect of a second location in the network section, each of the first and second quantities corresponding to a signal amplitude and a signal phase angle at its respective location. The apparatus 30 comprises a processor 42 which is operative to determine a condition quantity corresponding to a loading condition of the network section 34 between the first and second locations in dependence on the first and second quantities.