Power Plant Output Control via Transmission Flow Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power systems face challenges in controlling output power of power plants effectively, particularly due to uneven distribution of renewable energy sources, leading to supply-demand imbalances and transmission line overloads.

Innovation Solution

A power system configuration that includes a power plant with a steam condenser, turbine, steam generator, turbine bypass valve, and generator, along with a power transmission flow limiter and a control system. The control system outputs a power transmission flow limitation signal to the limiter, which adjusts the output power by regulating the turbine bypass valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If variable renewable energies are introduced to achieve decarbonization, then environmental benefits are improved, but transmission line overloads and supply-demand imbalances occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecarbonization achievementVSAvoidtransmission line stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between renewable energy sources and the power grid. This control system monitors transmission line conditions and dynamically adjusts power output from renewable energy plants, preventing overloads while maximizing decarbonization benefits. The control system acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflict between increasing renewable energy penetration and maintaining grid reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of power plant output based on real-time transmission line conditions. Rather than fixed output levels, the system continuously adjusts generation capacity to match grid承受能力, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and prevent overloads while maximizing renewable energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If power transmission flow is increased to meet demand, then supply capability is improved, but transmission line overloads occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidtransmission line overload
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where transmission line conditions are continuously monitored and fed back to the power plant control system. When the control system detects approaching overload conditions, it automatically reduces power output to prevent overloads. This closed-loop feedback system enables the grid to maintain high supply capability while dynamically preventing transmission line overloads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If output power of power plant is controlled to prevent overloads, then transmission stability is improved, but supply-demand balance becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission stabilityVSAvoidsupply-demand balance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic output control that continuously adjusts power plant generation based on real-time transmission line conditions and demand requirements. The control system calculates optimal output levels that simultaneously maintain transmission stability and satisfy demand, rather than using fixed conservative limits. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize power supply within safe transmission constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the power plant based on transmission line conditions. By dynamically adjusting output power levels, voltage, and other operational parameters, the control system maintains transmission stability while optimizing supply to meet demand. The system transitions between different operational states to balance stability requirements with supply needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4572072A1Power system and control method of power system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HITACHI GE NUCLEAR ENERGY LTD
  • EP4572072A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4572072A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4572072A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a power system that can appropriately control an output power of a power plant. [Solution] A power system includes a power plant 40, a power transmission flow limiter 50 inserted between the power plant 40 and a substation 70 via transmission lines 82 and 84, and a control system 30, wherein the control system 30 outputs to the power transmission flow limiter 50 a power transmission flow limitation signal CP indicating that an output power P of the power plant 40 should be limited; and the power transmission flow limiter 50 limits the output power P of the power plant 40, which is transmitted via the transmission lines 82 and 84 on the basis of the power transmission flow limitation signal CP.