Retrofitting Electrical Networks With Controllable Transformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern energy networks with decentralized energy producers poses challenges in maintaining voltage quality, as conventional control methods are inefficient and costly, leading to increased energy losses and high costs associated with the use of controllable local network transformers.
Innovation Solution
A method for retrofitting energy networks by simulating the optimal placement and control of controllable devices using a system of equations to minimize retrofitting effort and energy losses, allowing for high voltage quality with reduced costs and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional control methods (static control in local network stations and substations) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage quality deteriorates and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control by replacing static control methods with controllable local network transformers (RONT) that can actively adjust transformer ratios based on real-time network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize voltage levels and minimize energy losses across different operating scenarios, directly resolving the contradiction between reduced energy losses and increased control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed static settings to variable dynamic parameters. By using controllable transformers with adjustable ratios and implementing optimization algorithms that continuously adapt control parameters based on network state, the system achieves lower energy losses while managing complexity through intelligent parameter management rather than hardware proliferation.
2Reliability
If controllable local network transformers are installed to improve voltage control, then voltage quality is improved, but procurement and investment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively installing controllable transformers only at specific network locations where they provide maximum benefit. The optimization algorithm identifies critical nodes and segments of the network that require active voltage control, rather than uniformly deploying expensive equipment throughout the entire network. This targeted approach maintains high voltage quality where needed while significantly reducing overall procurement and investment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by deploying controllable transformers at only the most critical network locations rather than comprehensive coverage. The optimization determines the minimum necessary deployment to achieve voltage quality targets, avoiding excessive investment in areas where conventional control methods remain sufficient. This selective partial deployment resolves the contradiction between maintaining voltage quality and reducing investment costs.
3Measurement precision
If field tests and empirical values are used for product selection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and optimization quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the energy network that replicates its electrical characteristics and operating conditions. This digital model allows for precise simulation and optimization of voltage control strategies without requiring physical field tests or complex real-world coordination. The virtual model enables accurate prediction of transformer performance and optimal placement decisions, achieving high measurement precision while reducing planning complexity compared to empirical field testing methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method retrofits an existing electrical energy network with additional controllable devices for transmitting energy. A model of the energy network is provided, the model takes into account a voltage distribution inside the energy network by a system of equations and/or a system of inequations on the basis of the number and position of additional controllable devices and on the basis of control positions of all controllable devices. The model is used to carry out a simulation for minimizing a target function. The target function takes into account retrofitting effort and/or energy losses caused by the additional controllable devices, and in which the number and position of additionally required controllable devices and the control positions of all controllable devices are stated as a result of the simulation so that the energy network complies with a predefined voltage band during operation.