Three-Phase Energy Exchange Control for Phase Asymmetry Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing phase asymmetry in multi-phase power grids are inadequate for dynamic changes in renewable energy systems, leading to inefficient resource use, equipment failure, and safety risks due to uneven loading of phases.

Innovation Solution

A control method that optimizes energy exchanges between systems connected to a three-phase power grid by minimizing a phase difference term in an objective function, using a weighting factor to balance phase asymmetry through time-dependent power adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LCT systems are connected to a three-phase power grid with dynamic load or generation, then renewable energy integration is improved, but phase asymmetry increases leading to inefficient resource use and equipment failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy integrationVSAvoidphase asymmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase switching that adapts to real-time load conditions. The system continuously monitors phase loads and dynamically reconfigures the connection of LCT systems between different phases based on current asymmetry levels, enabling the grid to adapt to varying renewable energy generation and consumption patterns while maintaining phase balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of LCT systems by adjusting their phase connections. By modifying which phase each LCT system connects to based on real-time grid conditions, the system transforms static phase assignments into dynamic parameter adjustments that maintain phase asymmetry within acceptable limits while maximizing renewable energy utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If phase asymmetry is allowed to increase, then more flexible energy exchange is achieved, but thermal overload and insulation failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy exchange flexibilityVSAvoidthermal overload

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors phase load asymmetry and uses this information to control phase switching decisions. The system measures actual phase currents, compares them against threshold values, and adjusts LCT phase connections accordingly, creating a closed-loop control that prevents thermal overload while maintaining energy exchange flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces phase switching control as an intermediary mechanism between LCT systems and the power grid. This intermediary layer manages the connection configuration, acting as a buffer that allows flexible energy exchange while preventing harmful thermal effects by ensuring phase loads remain within safe operating limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If static methods are used to avoid phase asymmetries, then equipment protection is improved, but response to dynamic changes in renewable plants is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static phase assignment to dynamic phase switching. The system continuously monitors grid conditions and automatically reconfigures LCT phase connections in real-time based on changing load patterns, enabling rapid response to renewable energy generation fluctuations while maintaining equipment protection through controlled phase balancing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Power

If heavier loading is concentrated on individual phases, then energy exchange capacity is improved, but voltage drops increase and safety problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy exchange capacityVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality optimization by distributing energy exchange loads across different phases based on their current utilization status. Instead of concentrating heavy loading on single phases, the system selectively assigns LCT connections to phases with available capacity, creating a balanced load distribution that maintains both high energy exchange capacity and stable voltage levels across all phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4356493B1Control of energy exchanges between a plurality of systems connected to a power supply

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling one or more exchanges of electrical energy between a plurality of systems (41, 42, 43) by means of a control unit (2), each system (41, 42, 43) being connected to one or more phases (A, B, C) of a three-phase electrical grid (1), wherein, in order to control the exchanges of energy within a time period (T), the control unit (2) determines, for each of the phases (A, B, C) and for each of the systems (41, 42, 43), associated time-dependent power levels to be exchanged, using an optimization method, by extremalization of a target function. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the target function comprises a phase difference (I) as a term, wherein (II) is the sum of all power levels to be exchanged by means of the phase (A, B, C) in question at the time (t), and g is a weighting factor greater than 0. The invention also relates to a control unit (2) for carrying out a method of this type.