Remote Transformer Substation Control With Delay Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for transformer substations face challenges due to grid conditions and signal delays, leading to instability and poor responsiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a control device that uses measurement and estimation information, combined with a model of the grid and converter, to determine correction information for controlling the transformer substation, accounting for signal delays and grid conditions, thereby enhancing control performance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote control is implemented due to distance constraints, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but signal delay increases and control stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsignal delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future grid states and pre-calculating control commands before signal delay occurs. The prediction module forecasts grid conditions ahead of time, and the control module prepares correction commands in advance, so when the delayed signal arrives, the system is already ready to apply the correct control action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where measurement information from the transformer substation is continuously monitored, compared with predicted values, and correction information is generated based on the deviation. This closed-loop feedback ensures that control adjustments are made based on actual system performance, compensating for the delays inherent in remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If remote control is implemented due to distance constraints, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but control stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary prediction module that acts as a mediator between the remote control system and the transformer substation. This prediction module generates predicted measurement information that bridges the gap caused by signal delays, providing a stable reference for control decisions without requiring direct real-time connection to the substation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control stability is maintained through continuous feedback where actual measurement information is compared with predicted values, and correction commands are generated based on the deviation. This feedback loop ensures that the control system remains stable despite the remote location and signal delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If real-time control is implemented, then control responsiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol responsivenessVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the transformer substation's measurement information through prediction algorithms. Instead of requiring direct real-time connections and additional physical sensors, the prediction module generates predicted measurement data that mirrors what would be measured locally, enabling real-time control responsiveness without the associated infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/physical communication infrastructure with information processing and prediction algorithms. Instead of installing additional sensors and communication equipment to achieve real-time control, the system uses computational prediction to substitute for physical measurement, reducing device complexity while maintaining control responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If remote control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal delay and grid conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The prediction module performs preliminary calculation of measurement information before signal delay affects the actual measurements. By predicting what the measurements should be based on the model and previous data, the system compensates for the degradation that occurs during signal transmission, maintaining measurement precision despite remote control conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4597794A1Method for contolling a transformer substation by a control device arranged remote from the transformer, system, computer program product and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4597794A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4597794A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4597794A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a transformer substation (6) within a first grid (2) by a control device (4) of a converter (5) connected to the first grid (2) and a second grid (3) is provided, wherein the converter (5) is arranged remote from the transformer substation (6), the method comprising: - providing measurement information (y), to the control device (4), being characteristic of at least one measured electrical property at a location of the transformer substation (6), - determining an estimation information (ym), by the control device (4), being characteristic of at least one estimated electrical property at the location of the transformer substation (6) based on a model (m) comprising the first grid (2) and the converter (5), - determining an estimated delay time (yp) of the estimation information (ym), by the control device (4), being characteristic of a delay time dependent on a distance between the location of the transformer substation (6) and the converter (5), - determining a correction information, by the control device (4), dependent on the measurement information (y), the estimation information (ym) and the estimated delay time for controlling the transformer substation (6).