Power Feeding Path Interlocking for Safe Power Interchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems face challenges in ensuring safety of power feeding paths due to complex network configurations involving multiple connection points, necessitating improved interlocking and path management for safe power interchange.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that includes a communication unit for inter-base communication and a control unit to lock power feeding paths and control converters and breakers to prevent path intersections, using breakers capable of divergent extension in multiple directions and implementing protection coordination through overcurrent protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional one-to-one handshaking is used for power interchange, then simplicity of control is maintained, but safety of power feeding path cannot be ensured in complex networks
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary determination of the power feeding path before actual power interchange occurs. The communication unit establishes communication with the converter in advance to determine the path, and the control unit prepares the path selection based on this determination. This preliminary action ensures that the correct path is identified and locked before power flow begins, preventing unsafe operations in complex networks while maintaining controlled complexity through automated path management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slot type breakers are used to enable multiple direction connections, then adaptability of power supply system is improved, but complexity of interlocking and path management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus uses feedback through the communication unit to determine the appropriate power feeding path based on the actual connection state of slot type breakers. The control unit receives information about which breakers are connected and uses this feedback to automatically select and lock the correct path. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to various connection configurations (two-directional, three-directional, four-directional) without requiring complex manual interlocking control, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time breaker states.
3Reliability
If path locking is implemented for safety, then reliability of power feeding is improved, but loss of time for path switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus determines the power feeding path in advance before power interchange begins, and locks the path selection before actual power flow starts. This preliminary determination and locking ensures that when path switching is needed, the new path is already identified and prepared, minimizing the actual switching time. The path is locked for the duration of power feeding to maintain reliability, but the preliminary preparation reduces the overall time loss associated with path changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes circuitry configured to communicate with a second control apparatus at a different base from the control apparatus in a power supply system, before performing power interchange, lock at least one first power feeding path for a period of time, and control a converter and one or more breakers in a power feeding network based on the first power feeding path that is determined not to intersect with a second power feeding path different from the first power feeding path, during powering.