Series Circuit Storage Modules for Power Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converter arrangements face energy fluctuations in sub-modules, which affect the service life and efficiency of the system, particularly in managing reactive and active power compensation in electrical networks.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement features storage modules with a significantly higher energy storage capacity than capacitor modules, with a control device managing the series circuits to follow a setpoint voltage curve, allowing storage modules to handle active power and capacitor modules to handle reactive power, thereby reducing energy fluctuations and extending the system's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage modules are used to handle both active and reactive power, then the system can manage power compensation, but energy fluctuations increase and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower compensation capabilityVSAvoidservice life of storage modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power handling function into separate modules: storage modules (batteries) handle only active power, while capacitor modules handle reactive power. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, reducing energy fluctuations in storage modules and extending their service life while maintaining comprehensive power compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitor modules serve as intermediaries between the electrical network and storage modules. They absorb and release reactive power, preventing it from reaching the storage modules and causing energy fluctuations. This intermediary function protects the storage modules while enabling reactive power compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If more storage modules are used to handle energy fluctuations, then service life is extended, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of storage modulesVSAvoidnumber of storage modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Capacitor modules act as intermediaries that absorb reactive power and energy fluctuations, protecting storage modules from stress. This allows the system to use fewer storage modules while maintaining reliability, as the capacitors shield the batteries from damaging fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of storage modules by limiting them to active power only, with voltage and current constraints enforced by the control device. This parameter restriction reduces wear on storage modules, extending their service life without requiring additional modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage modules handle all power compensation, then system capability is comprehensive, but energy storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower compensation capabilityVSAvoidenergy storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments power compensation into active power (handled by storage modules with limited capacity) and reactive power (handled by capacitor modules). This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive power compensation without requiring storage modules to have excessive energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitor modules provide multi-functionality by handling both reactive power compensation and acting as energy buffers for the system. This universal function reduces the burden on storage modules, allowing them to operate with smaller capacity while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration reduces energy fluctuations in storage modules, extends the service life of memory modules, and allows for a reduced number of memory modules, optimizing power compensation and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of which is a capacitor module comprising at least one switch and one capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The electrical storage devices of the storage modules are preferably double-layer capacitors or batteries or storage devices based on galvanic cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

The electrical storage devices of the storage modules are preferably double-layer capacitors or batteries or storage devices based on galvanic cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3245700B1Arrangement comprising at least one series circuit and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3245700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245700B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3245700B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising at least one series circuit (R1, R2, R3) which comprises at least two part modules (T) which are connected in series, of which at least one is a capacitor module (KM), which comprises at least one switch (S) and one capacitor (C), and of which at least one is a storage module (SM), which comprises at least one switch (S) and one electric store (ES), wherein the arrangement has a control device (20, 14) for driving the switches (S) of the storage modules and the capacitor modules (SM, KM). According to the invention, the store of the storage module has an energy storage capacity that is greater, in particular greater by at least 100 times, than the capacity of the capacitor module, and the control device (20, 20) is configured in such a way that the control device drives the storage modules of the series circuits (R1, R2, R3) or at least one of the series circuits (R1, R2, R3) in such a way that the total voltage, which results from summing the partial voltages dropped on the storage modules (SM) of the series circuit (R1, R2, R3), follows an intended course determined by the control device (20, 40).