Power Compensator Integrating STATCOM and High-Temperature Battery for Black Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

Restoring power after a wide-area power outage is challenging due to the need for coordinated frequency and voltage stability during the black start process, where the grid is weak and vulnerable, and existing systems lack sufficient power compensation and balancing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A power compensator system comprising a voltage source converter (VSC), a high voltage sodium/metal chloride battery with a short circuit failure mode, and a temperature monitor, along with a control system that includes a SOC-module for estimating battery state and a communication module for network balancing, enabling rapid energy exchange and balancing between the network and the battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a STATCOM apparatus is used for power compensation, then reactive power compensation is achieved, but active power supply capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower compensation capabilityVSAvoidactive power supply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a STATCOM (static compensator) with a high-temperature secondary battery energy storage system into a unified power compensation apparatus. This merging allows the system to simultaneously provide reactive power compensation (from the STATCOM) and active power supply (from the battery), resolving the contradiction between compensation capability and active power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a static compensator for reactive power control and an energy storage system for active power supply and black start capability. This multi-functionality enables the apparatus to address both power compensation and active power needs with a single device.

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

2Duration of action of moving object

If conventional energy storage systems are used, then power supply during outages is provided, but rapid energy exchange capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidenergy exchange speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a high-temperature secondary battery (operating at elevated temperatures) which fundamentally changes the electrochemical parameters of the energy storage system. This temperature parameter change enables both extended duration of action and rapid energy exchange capability, as the high-temperature operation accelerates electrochemical reactions while maintaining sustained power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a black start is performed on a dead network, then power restoration is achieved, but frequency and voltage stability is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower restoration capabilityVSAvoidfrequency and voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated STATCOM-battery system implements feedback control mechanisms where the STATCOM continuously monitors and adjusts reactive power output to maintain voltage stability, while the battery system provides active power support to stabilize frequency. This coordinated feedback control enables the system to maintain stability during black start operations on dead networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage battery is pre-charged and ready before black start operations, providing immediate active power support when the network is dead. This preliminary preparation ensures that both frequency and voltage stability can be maintained from the outset of the restoration process, rather than attempting to establish stability during the restoration itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system provides sufficient and durable power for black start processes, balances energy supply and demand, and maintains network stability by enabling rapid energy exchange and predicting battery capacity, ensuring continuous power supply during outages and peak demand.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage source converter (VSC) having an ac side connected to the transmission line and a dc side connected to a temporary electric power storage means such as capacitor means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage source conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the energy storage device comprises a high voltage battery means having a short circuit failure mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a temperature monitor, along with a control system that includes a SOC-module for estimating battery state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature monitoring:

Data Source

PatentEP2036180B1Power compensator and method for providing a black start with that compensator
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 ABB RES LTD
  • EP2036180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2036180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2036180B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A power compensator (1) for an electric power transmission line (3), comprises a voltage source converter (4), capacitor means (6) and an energy storage device (5). The energy storage device comprises a high voltage battery means having a short circuit failure mode, a first (40a) and second main switch (40b) for disconnecting the battery means from the capacitor means, and a control unit (44) for operating the first and second switch.