Trailer-Mounted Power Flow Modules for Fast Grid Line Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power flow control systems require efficient configurations and optimized deployment methods to reduce installation time and improve transportation and power line implementation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A trailer-based system with preconfigured power flow control modules, bolted attachments, and a corona assembly for efficient transportation, installation, and deployment, utilizing a wheeled vehicle to carry and connect modules to a power transmission line, enabling quick and safe injection of reactive power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If power flow control systems are deployed using traditional installation methods, then the systems can be installed, but the installation time is excessive and the process is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete power flow control modules (including reactors, switches, and instrumentation) on standardized platforms before transportation. These preconfigured modules are ready for immediate installation at the site, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of individual components and significantly reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power flow control system into modular units that can be independently configured, transported, and installed. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing for parallel installation processes and reducing the overall installation timeline compared to traditional monolithic deployment methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex configurations are used for power flow control systems, then the systems can be fully functional, but the transportation and deployment processes become inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoiddeployment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality through standardized module platforms that can accommodate different power flow control configurations (series capacitors, series reactors, switches) while maintaining a common structural and operational framework. This universal platform approach allows the system to provide full functionality across various applications while simplifying transportation and deployment through standardized procedures

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by configuring modules with adjustable electrical parameters (reactance values, switching characteristics) that can be tailored to specific transmission line requirements without changing the physical module structure. This allows the same modular platform to adapt to different system requirements while maintaining deployment efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional installation methods are used, then all components can be installed, but labor requirements are excessive and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidlabor time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete power flow control modules (including reactors, switches, and instrumentation) on standardized platforms before transportation. These preconfigured modules are ready for immediate installation at the site, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of individual components and significantly reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables self-service installation where standardized interfaces and preconfigured modules allow installation teams to quickly connect units without requiring complex alignment or customization procedures, reducing both labor time and skill requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution significantly reduces labor and time required for installation and deployment, allowing for efficient and safe operation of power flow control equipment by using preconfigured modules and standardized clamps, ensuring efficient power transmission line connections and minimizing arcing and sparking.

Implementation Method 1

a corona assembly for use with power flow control equipment... The corona ring has conducting tubes. The conducting tubes are arranged in a rectangular shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS11807149B2Deployment of power flow control systems
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 SMART WIRES INC
  • US11807149B2 patent drawing
  • US11807149B2 patent drawing
  • US11807149B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trailer-based system and related method are described for efficiently transporting, configuring and deploying a power flow control system, including connection to a power transmission line. The system may include preconfigured modules using bolted attachments, hoist rings and a corona ring structure. Standardized clamps are also used. A plurality of power flow control modules is operable while mounted on the trailer. The power flow control modules are configurable to inject reactive power into the power transmission line.