Premier Energy Router for Low-Voltage Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) at low-voltage networks introduces power quality issues like voltage sags and harmonics, which centralized devices struggle to mitigate effectively due to limited visibility and reduced effectiveness at the leaf end of distribution networks.
Innovation Solution
A Premise Energy Router (PER) with dynamic Watt-VAR compensator and grid interface switched mode power converter is deployed at customer premises, regulating DC bus voltage and injecting current to mitigate harmonics and voltage issues directly at the point of common coupling, using bidirectional power converter circuitry and energy storage elements like batteries or solar PV systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized bulk devices (STATCOMs, SVCs) are deployed at medium-voltage level, then reactive power control and voltage regulation are provided, but visibility to local problems at low-voltage networks is limited and effectiveness is reduced due to small X/R ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized bulk device into distributed micro-SVC units deployed at individual low-voltage network nodes. Each micro-SVC operates independently to provide localized reactive power compensation, improving visibility and effectiveness while reducing the complexity of a single large centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local reactive power compensation by deploying micro-SVC devices directly at low-voltage network nodes where problems occur. This local deployment allows each device to address specific local conditions (voltage sags, harmonics) rather than attempting centralized control of distributed problems.
2Reliability
If micro-SVCs are deployed at low-voltage network, then negative effects of DERs are mitigated at the source, but the devices are bulky and offer limited power control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (reactive power compensation, harmonic filtering, voltage regulation) into a single integrated micro-SVC device. This merging of functions reduces the overall device size compared to separate dedicated devices for each function, while maintaining comprehensive power quality mitigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-SVC device is designed with multi-functionality to perform reactive power compensation, harmonic filtering, and voltage regulation simultaneously. This universal design reduces device size by eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices, while providing comprehensive power quality control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional SVCs are used for harmonic compensation, then some power quality issues are addressed, but adequate compensation for grid voltage harmonics is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces active power electronic components (IGBT-based converters) as intermediaries between the grid and the load. These active components dynamically inject compensating currents to cancel harmonics, providing superior harmonic compensation compared to passive SVC components alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the micro-SVC by using high-frequency switching power electronics instead of conventional low-frequency mechanical or passive components. This allows dynamic adjustment of compensation parameters to effectively track and cancel varying harmonic content in the grid.
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
The PER effectively regulates voltage and harmonics at low-voltage networks, enhancing power quality and grid stability by providing localized compensation and integration of DERs, overcoming limitations of centralized systems.
Implementation Method 1
a grid interface switched mode power converter that is coupled to an AC bus and to a DC bus and that is configured to regulate a voltage of the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses including power electronics circuitry are provided. The power electronics circuitry includes at least one power converter that is coupled to a DC bus. Moreover, in some embodiments, the at least one power converter is configured to regulate a voltage of the DC bus. Related methods of operating an apparatus including power electronics circuitry are also provided.