Switched Capacitor Bank Zero Close Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched capacitor bank assemblies are complex, leading to long installation times, difficulty in troubleshooting, and high maintenance costs due to complicated sensor and controller combinations, as well as accuracy issues caused by signal interference from lengthy cables.
Innovation Solution
A switched capacitor bank system with integrated voltage sensors, wireless current sensors, and an electronic controller that determines phase shift calculations to control the switching of capacitors based on real-time voltage and current signals, optimizing voltage and power flow while reducing transmission losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complicated sensor and controller combinations are utilized to improve assembly performance, then sensing accuracy may be improved, but device complexity increases, installation time increases, and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates voltage sensors directly into the switch housing, combining previously separate components (voltage sensors, switches, and controller) into a unified assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting and cable connections, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sensing accuracy through direct measurement at the switch location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between sensors and the controller, eliminating the need for lengthy physical cables that cause signal interference. This wireless intermediary transmits sensor data to the controller without physical connection, reducing complexity and improving accuracy by eliminating cable-related interference.
2Reliability
If lengthy sensor and control cables are included in the assembly, then connectivity is achieved, but signal interference occurs causing magnitude and phase errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates physical cables that cause signal interference, while maintaining reliable data transmission between sensors and the controller through wireless signals, thereby improving sensing accuracy without sacrificing connectivity.
3Device complexity
If integrated voltage sensors and wireless current sensors are used with an electronic controller, then sensing accuracy is improved and complexity is reduced, but device integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage sensors, switches, and the electronic controller into an integrated assembly where voltage sensors are mounted directly on the switch housing and wireless current sensors are positioned near the phase line. This merging of components simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces the number of separate installations required, making the system easier to manufacture as a complete unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it receives voltage signals from integrated voltage sensors, receives current signals from wireless current sensors, performs phase shift calculations, determines zero-voltage crossing points, and controls switch operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
4Loss of energy
If zero close control is implemented using phase shift calculations, then transmission losses are reduced, but computational requirements and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the electronic controller continuously monitors voltage and current signals, calculates phase shifts in real-time, and adjusts switch timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures capacitors are connected at the precise zero-voltage crossing point, minimizing transmission losses while using straightforward computational algorithms that maintain control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller autonomously performs phase shift calculations and determines optimal switching moments without external intervention. The system self-adjusts based on real-time sensor data, automatically implementing zero close control to minimize transmission losses without requiring complex external control systems or manual adjustment.
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 simplifies the complexity of capacitor bank assemblies, reduces installation time, and decreases troubleshooting and maintenance costs, while improving sensing accuracy and optimizing power grid efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first phase shift calculation for the voltage of the first phase line based on the first current signal
Data Source
AI summary
A switched capacitor bank system including a switched capacitor bank assembly having a switch between a capacitor and a phase line, a first voltage sensor to sense a phase line voltage, and a second voltage sensor to sense a capacitor voltage. The switched capacitor bank system includes a wireless current sensor to sense a current of the phase line and an electronic controller configured to receive a first voltage signal from the first voltage sensor, a second voltage signal from the second voltage sensor, a current signal from the wireless current sensor, determine a phase shift calculation for the voltage of the phase line based on the current signal, determine when the voltage of the phase line is at zero by comparing the first voltage signal, the second voltage signal, and the phase shift calculation, and close the switch when the voltage of the phase line is at zero.