Hybrid TCR and VSC Power Supply Network Voltage Fluctuation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compensation systems, such as SVCs and STATCOMs, are inadequate in reducing voltage fluctuations, especially during rapid load changes, and are often costly, with SVCs performing poorly above 10 Hz and STATCOMs being more expensive.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a TCR and VSC, where the current measurement signal is split into frequency components below and above a predetermined limit frequency, with the TCR controlling low-frequency components and the VSC controlling high-frequency components, allowing for dynamic and coordinated reactive power compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an SVC with TCR is used for compensation, then cost is reduced, but voltage fluctuations above 10 Hz cannot be adequately reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage fluctuation reduction capabilityVSAvoidresponse speed to rapid load changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation system is segmented into two distinct parts: SVC for low-frequency compensation (0.5-10 Hz) and STATCOM for high-frequency compensation (10-100 Hz). Each device operates independently within its optimized frequency range, allowing the system to handle both slow and rapid load changes effectively without requiring a single expensive high-speed device for the entire range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single STATCOM that would be capable of handling all frequency ranges (excessive action), the system uses partial action by deploying SVC for low-frequency and STATCOM for high-frequency components. This partial division allows cost optimization while maintaining comprehensive compensation coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If a STATCOM is used for compensation, then voltage fluctuations are reduced more effectively, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage fluctuation reduction capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is segmented into low-frequency (0.5-10 Hz) and high-frequency (10-100 Hz) ranges, with SVC handling the former and STATCOM the latter. This segmentation allows the expensive STATCOM to be used only where its high-speed response is necessary, rather than deploying it across the entire frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by assigning different frequency response characteristics to different compensation devices. SVC operates optimally at lower frequencies with slower response, while STATCOM handles higher frequencies with faster response, optimizing the overall system performance and cost structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single compensation device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle both slow and rapid load changes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation system structureVSAvoidfrequency range coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation function is segmented across two devices with distinct frequency responsibilities. The control system is also segmented, with separate controllers for SVC and STATCOM that receive frequency-filtered versions of the load current signal, enabling each device to operate independently within its optimized range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid compensation system achieves multi-functionality by combining SVC and STATCOM, allowing a single compensation infrastructure to handle both slow and rapid load changes across the entire frequency spectrum (0.5-100 Hz), rather than requiring separate systems for different frequency ranges.

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

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

This approach efficiently reduces voltage fluctuations across a broader frequency range, optimizing the performance of the compensation system while minimizing costs by leveraging the strengths of both TCR and VSC.

Implementation Method 1

reducing the voltage fluctuations with the aid of a TCR (thyristor controlled reactor), which represents a thyristor-controlled reactance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThyristor control:

Implementation Method 2

reducing the voltage fluctuations with the aid of a VSC (voltage source converter), which represents a voltage-controlled converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage source conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2945245B1Method and device for reducing power fluctuations in a power supply network
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2945245B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2945245B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2945245B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Voltage fluctuations in a power supply network (2) are to be reduced efficiently and cost-effectively. A method is proposed for this purpose in which a current flowing into a load is measured (16), thereby obtaining a corresponding current measurement signal. The voltage fluctuations are reduced using a TCR (8), which represents a thyristor-controlled reactance, and a VSC (10), which represents a voltage-controlled converter. The current measurement signal, or a corresponding quantity, is divided into a first component and a second component depending on a predefined absolute limit. The TCR (8) is controlled based on the first component, and the VSC (10) based on the second component. Alternatively, the TCR can be controlled by the load current measurement signal, and the VSC by a sum of the load current measurement signal and a TCR current measurement signal.