Synthetic Test Circuit for STATCOM Submodule Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synthetic test circuits for submodule performance testing in power compensators face challenges in simulating the high voltage and current generated in STATCOMs, leading to increased manufacturing costs and energy consumption, and lack a standardized method for testing submodule performance.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic test circuit comprising a submodule test unit, a current source, and a test current adjuster that simulates the voltage and current conditions of a submodule, allowing for efficient testing using a low-voltage, large-current power supply and intermittent loss compensation, enabling the submodule performance test without substantial power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional test circuit is used to simulate high voltage and current conditions in STATCOM submodules, then the submodule performance test can be performed, but the manufacturing cost and energy consumption of the test apparatus increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubmodule performance test accuracyVSAvoidtest apparatus energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The test circuit is divided into multiple functional modules: a DC power supply module for voltage input, a switching module with controllable switches, a capacitor module for energy storage, and a measurement module. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining test accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor is pre-charged to a predetermined voltage before the actual submodule test. This preliminary action stores the necessary energy in advance, allowing the test to proceed without requiring continuous high-power supply during testing, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption during the test phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a conventional test circuit is used to simulate high voltage and current conditions in STATCOM submodules, then the submodule performance test can be performed, but the size and manufacturing cost of the test apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubmodule performance test accuracyVSAvoidtest apparatus manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The test circuit operates by changing voltage parameters over time - initially applying high voltage to charge the capacitor, then switching to lower voltage operation during the actual test. This parameter change allows the use of lower-voltage-rated (and thus cheaper) components for the main test circuitry while still achieving high-voltage test conditions through energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the DC power supply and the submodule under test. It temporarily stores energy at high voltage, then releases it during testing, allowing the use of lower-voltage power supply equipment and reducing overall system cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If high voltage and current are directly applied for submodule testing, then the operational conditions can be simulated, but the power consumption and energy requirements of the test apparatus become substantial

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational condition simulation accuracyVSAvoidtest apparatus power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The test circuit employs periodic switching of the controllable switches in the switching module. This periodic action creates pulsed current flow through the submodule under test, simulating operational conditions while allowing the system to reset and recharge between pulses, thereby reducing average power requirements compared to continuous high-power application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 solution allows for cost-effective and energy-efficient submodule performance testing, reducing the size and energy requirements of the test apparatus while maintaining accurate simulation of operational conditions, thereby improving economic efficiency and test reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a current source and a controller. The current source may be connected to the submodule test unit to supply a voltage to the submodule test unit such that a charging voltage having a capacity set in the submodule test unit is stored

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10436844B2Synthetic test circuit for testing submodule performance in power compensator and test method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 LSIS CO LTD

AI summary

A synthetic test circuit for testing a submodule performance in a power compensator includes a submodule test unit which is an object of testing the submodule performance, a current source and a controller. The current source is connected to the submodule test unit to supply a voltage to the submodule test unit such that a charging voltage having a capacity set in the submodule test unit is stored in order to operate the submodule test unit. The controller is configured to perform control to perform a submodule performance test of the submodule test unit using the stored charging voltage.