Reactive Power Compensation Device Standby Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reactive power compensation devices face challenges in restarting promptly after an AC power system failure, as the DC capacitor voltage decreases due to energy discharge, making it difficult to control the sub-modules, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage the transition from failure to restoration.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a reactive power compensation device with a standby mode that shifts to a stopped state based on AC undervoltage protection logic, using threshold voltages and timers to manage the DC capacitor voltage, allowing for immediate restart upon power restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reactive power compensation device continues operation after AC power system failure, then the DC capacitor voltage decreases due to energy discharge, but the device cannot be restarted promptly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidrestart time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically changes the operation state of the reactive power compensation device based on real-time detection of AC power system status. When voltage recovery is detected after failure, the device automatically transitions from stopped state to normal operation state, optimizing the balance between operational reliability and restart speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously detects the voltage status of the AC power system and uses this feedback information to determine when to restart the reactive power compensation device. This feedback mechanism ensures the device restarts at the optimal moment after power failure, minimizing restart time while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the device stops operation during AC power system failure, then DC capacitor voltage is maintained, but operation resumption is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidoperation resumption speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device prepares for restart by continuously monitoring AC power system voltage during the failure period. When voltage recovery is detected, the device is already in a ready state to immediately resume normal operation, eliminating delays associated with post-failure initialization and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the device attempts to restart immediately after power failure, then restart time is reduced, but DC capacitor voltage may be insufficient for proper operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestart timeVSAvoidoperation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses real-time feedback from AC power system voltage detection to determine the optimal restart timing. By waiting for voltage recovery confirmation before initiating restart, the device ensures DC capacitor voltage is sufficient for stable operation while minimizing unnecessary delays, thus balancing restart time and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3627685B1Reactive power compensation device and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3627685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627685B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reactive power compensation device is connected with an AC power system via a switch (90), and includes an arm circuit having a plurality of sub-modules (120) connected in series, and a central control protection device (160). Each of the sub-modules (120) includes a DC capacitor, and a bridge circuit for switching whether or not to output a voltage held in the DC capacitor. The central control protection device (160) is configured to shift to a standby mode in which all semiconductor switching elements constituting the bridge circuit of each of the sub-modules (120) are set to an opened state, with the switch (90) being set to a closed state, when the AC power system has a power failure during operation of the reactive power compensation device, and to shift from the standby mode to a stop mode in which the switch (90) is set to an opened state.