Shared HVDC Discharge Circuit for Multiterminal Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission networks require numerous discharge devices for multiterminal configurations, leading to a large footprint, increased maintenance, and auxiliary control requirements, which are costly and complex to manage.
Innovation Solution
An electrical discharge system utilizing a common electrical connection to connect multiple power transmission media to a discharge circuit, reducing the number of discharge circuits needed, and incorporating primary and secondary switching elements for controlled disconnection and reconnection, along with circuit interruption devices for safety, and optional dual discharge circuits for reduced insulation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate discharge devices are used for each power transmission medium in a multiterminal DC network, then each medium can be discharged independently and safely, but the system occupies a large footprint and requires extensive auxiliary controls and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate discharge devices into a single shared discharge device that can serve multiple power transmission media. The shared discharge device includes a discharge resistor and switching elements that can selectively connect to different power transmission media through a common connection node, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining the ability to discharge each medium independently
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power transmission media through a single device. The switching elements (such as thyristors or IGCTs) can redirect the discharge current to different power transmission media as needed, allowing one discharge device to perform the function of multiple separate devices
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate discharge devices are used for each power transmission medium, then independent discharge control is achieved, but the number of auxiliary controls and monitoring systems increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to manage multiple power transmission media through a single discharge device. The control unit can selectively activate different switching elements to direct discharge current to specific power transmission media, providing independent control for each medium while using a unified control architecture that reduces the number of separate control systems needed
3Area of stationary object
If a common electrical connection is used to connect multiple power transmission media to a single discharge circuit, then the number of discharge circuits is reduced and footprint is minimized, but the switching elements must handle higher voltage or current demands
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements are designed to dynamically redirect discharge current to different power transmission media as needed. The switching elements can operate in different states (conducting to different media or in blocking mode) to manage the power demands, allowing the system to handle higher voltage or current demands through dynamic current redistribution rather than requiring all switching elements to simultaneously handle maximum power
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 minimizes the footprint, reduces maintenance and control complexity, and lowers costs while ensuring safe and efficient discharge operations in HVDC power transmission networks.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge circuit for discharging electrical current to ground
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical discharge system (4) for discharging a plurality of power transmission media (2) of a power transmission network, the electrical discharge system (4) comprising: a discharge circuit (10) for discharging electrical current to ground (12); and a plurality of primary discharge switching elements (16), each primary discharge switching element (16) for connection to a respective one of the plurality of power transmission media (2); and a common electrical connection (14) that is electrically connected to the discharge circuit (10), wherein each primary discharge switching element (16) is configured to be switchable to selectively connect and disconnect the respective power transmission medium (2) to and from the common electrical connection (14).