Series Voltage Regulator for Point-of-Load Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy conservation voltage reduction (CVR) methods are unable to provide granular, controlled voltage reduction at each point-of-load (POL) in electrical networks, resulting in inefficient energy and peak demand savings as they apply approximate averages across large distribution grids.
Innovation Solution
Installation of wide-range AC-AC series voltage regulation units at each point-of-load (POL) enables direct voltage reduction (DVR) with high-resolution voltage modulation and real-time power quality data monitoring, allowing for individual DVR factors to be calculated and optimized, using energy processing units (EPUs) that can autonomously or remotely adjust voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If legacy conservation voltage reduction (CVR) methods are used to reduce voltage on the utility distribution grid, then energy (KWH), power (KW), and reactive power (KVAR) savings are achieved, but the voltage reduction is applied as an approximate average across the entire distribution grid network, preventing granular, controlled individual voltage reduction at each facility or point of load (POL)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distribution grid into individual controllable segments at each point of load (POL) by installing separate voltage regulation units (EPUs) at each location. This segmentation enables independent voltage control at each POL rather than applying a uniform voltage reduction across the entire grid, allowing granular optimization of energy savings at each facility while maintaining overall system coordination.
2Measurement precision
If wide-range AC-AC series voltage regulation units are installed at each point-of-load (POL) to enable direct voltage reduction (DVR) with high-resolution voltage modulation, then granular voltage control and increased energy savings are achieved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control at each EPU by continuously monitoring voltage, current, and power consumption at the individual POL and using this real-time data to dynamically adjust the voltage regulation. This feedback mechanism enables high-resolution voltage modulation and precise control of energy savings at each location while automating the complex control decisions, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the increased device complexity.
3Productivity
If direct voltage reduction (DVR) is implemented at each point of load with real-time power quality data monitoring, then optimized energy usage patterns and peak demand savings are achieved, but the need for autonomous or remote voltage adjustment capabilities increases system automation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation of each EPU by equipping them with autonomous control capabilities that automatically analyze real-time power quality data, determine optimal voltage settings, and adjust voltage without requiring remote intervention. Each EPU independently optimizes energy efficiency at its location based on local load characteristics and conditions, reducing peak demand and improving productivity automatically while maintaining the ability for remote monitoring and override when needed.
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 approach significantly increases energy, power, and peak demand savings by enabling precise voltage control at each POL, optimizing energy usage patterns and load characteristics, while maintaining consumer invisibility to voltage changes, thus enhancing overall grid efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
wide-range AC-AC series voltage regulation units installed directly at points-of-load (POL) in an electrical network
Implementation Method 2
AC-AC series voltage regulation units
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining one or more direct voltage reduction (DVR) factors at a point of load (POL) in a power grid voltage environment. An energy processing unit (EPU) is installed at each individual POL; each EPU includes at least one AC-AC series voltage regulator. An EPU-regulated output voltage is increased under specific controlled conditions. One or more independent DVR factors for each individual POL are determined during the increased and decreased EPU-regulated output voltage.