Solid-State Substation Control for Voltage and Power Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state power substations face challenges in regulating voltage, limiting fault current, correcting power factor, and managing power quality due to their design limitations, which are exacerbated by the integration of distributed energy resources and controllable loads, leading to high balance of system costs and lack of autonomous operation, diagnostics, and cyber-physical security.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a solid-state power substation (SSPS) with smart universal power electronic regulators (SUPERs) that include intelligent power stages (IPSs) capable of operating in various converter classes, connected through a hierarchical control system to manage power flow, voltage, and frequency across multiple feeders, enabling real-time optimization and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid-state power substations are used for voltage transformation and power flow management, then basic power conversion functions are achieved, but voltage regulation, fault current limiting, and power quality control are deficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power electronic regulator (UPER) that consolidates multiple substation functions including voltage transformation, voltage regulation, fault current limiting, reactive power compensation, and power quality control into a single multi-functional device. The UPER uses a common power electronic converter structure with configurable operating modes to deliver all these functions through unified hardware and control software, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function.
2Device complexity
If conventional PE systems are designed for single function (voltage conversion), then design simplicity is maintained, but they cannot regulate voltage, limit fault current, or correct power factor
Solution Approach 1:
The UPER employs dynamic reconfigurable control that allows the power electronic converter to switch between different operating modes (voltage transformation mode, voltage regulation mode, fault current limiting mode, reactive power compensation mode, etc.) based on real-time system requirements. The control system dynamically adjusts converter parameters and switching patterns to optimize performance for the current operating condition, enabling a single device to adapt to diverse power system needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal power electronic regulator (UPER) that consolidates multiple substation functions including voltage transformation, voltage regulation, fault current limiting, reactive power compensation, and power quality control into a single multi-functional device. The UPER uses a common power electronic converter structure with configurable operating modes to deliver all these functions through unified hardware and control software, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular DER-based solid-state substations are used, then grid interconnection cost and time are reduced, but autonomous operation capability and cyber-physical security are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The UPER incorporates autonomous control capabilities that enable the device to independently monitor its own operating status, detect anomalies, and adjust its control parameters without external intervention. The system includes self-diagnostics functions that continuously assess component health and performance, and can automatically switch to backup control strategies or isolate faulty sections, providing self-service operation and reducing dependency on external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPER implements comprehensive feedback control systems that continuously monitor voltage, current, power, and equipment status parameters. The control algorithms process this feedback information in real-time to automatically adjust converter switching patterns and operating parameters, maintaining optimal performance and enabling autonomous response to changing grid conditions without requiring centralized control.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional substations are used in distribution grids with increasing DERs, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but they cannot tolerate faults or provide real-time optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The UPER incorporates fault tolerance design that prepares the system in advance for potential failures. The device includes redundant control pathways, protective circuitry, and pre-configured fault response strategies that are activated automatically upon detecting abnormal conditions. The system can preemptively adjust operating parameters to prevent fault propagation and maintain stable operation during stressed conditions, providing cushioning against potential failures before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A hierarchical approach is provided to integrate functions and components into the various systems and subsystems within a distribution network, including standardization of modular and scalable power electronics power blocks with embedded diagnostics and prognostics.