Transformer Reactive Power Prediction During Geomagnetic Disturbances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems lack an affordable and viable method for real-time estimation of reactive power consumption and geomagnetically-induced current flows in transformers, especially during saturation conditions, and fail to predict the effects of geomagnetic disturbances, leading to reactive power deficits, hotspot heating, voltage collapse, and potential blackouts.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing processors to measure active current, predict disruptive current, and determine predicted reactive power consumption and neutral current in transformers, incorporating even-order higher frequency components from synchrophasor measurement units, along with forecasted geomagnetic data, to identify corrective actions proactively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring arrangements are used, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but real-time estimation capability of reactive power consumption and geomagnetically-induced current flows is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time estimation capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes measurements from existing infrastructure (PMUs, relays, meters) to derive reactive power consumption and neutral current estimates. This intermediary layer enables real-time estimation capabilities without requiring direct installation of complex specialized measurement infrastructure at transformer locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual model or copy of the transformer's electrical state by processing measurements from the power system infrastructure. Instead of directly measuring difficult-to-obtain quantities, the system computes estimates based on measurements of related quantities from existing infrastructure, effectively copying the necessary information through computational modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If dedicated infrastructure is deployed for monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system makes existing power system infrastructure (PMUs, relays, meters, communication networks) serve multiple functions - their primary monitoring and control functions plus the additional function of providing data for reactive power and neutral current estimation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated specialized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the existing power system infrastructure to serve itself by using its own measurement and communication capabilities to provide the data needed for enhanced monitoring and protective control functions, without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If reactive power consumption is not predicted, then system simplicity is maintained, but reactive power deficits and voltage collapse occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower system stabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of reactive power consumption and neutral current before geomagnetic disturbances cause severe effects. By computing these quantities in advance and in real-time during disturbances, the system enables proactive protective actions to prevent voltage collapse and reactive power deficits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors and estimates reactive power consumption and neutral current, providing feedback information that enables real-time assessment of transformer saturation conditions and geomagnetic disturbance effects, allowing for dynamic protective control actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If neutral current is not monitored, then measurement system complexity is reduced, but transformer saturation conditions cannot be assessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaturation condition assessmentVSAvoidneutral current measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct physical measurement of neutral current with a computational estimation approach. By using measurements from existing phase current sensors and applying computational models, the system derives neutral current estimates without requiring direct installation of neutral current measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10451660B2Monitoring operating conditions of a transformer during major electromagnetic disturbances

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 UTOPUS INSIGHTS INC

AI summary

Methods and arrangements for computing disruptive current in a transformer. Transformer current is measured, and disruptive current is predicted. Based on the active transformer current and predicted disruptive current, a predicted reactive power and predicted neutral current are determined. At least one corrective action, to be taken with respect to the transformer, is thereupon identified. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.