Tunable Filter Apparatus for Harmonic Filtering in HVDC Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter technologies in HVDC power transmission systems face challenges in maintaining precise tuning due to variations in system frequency and component values, leading to impaired power transmission and control, especially with narrow-band filters being sensitive to changes in reactance and requiring frequent adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A tunable filter apparatus with a capacitor arrangement comprising multiple capacitors and switches that can be connected or disconnected to adjust capacitance, allowing for step-wise tuning of the filter's resonance frequency, thereby compensating for temperature variations and frequency changes, and using standardized components to reduce manufacturing costs and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If narrow-band filters are used for harmonic filtering, then filtering precision is improved, but sensitivity to reactance changes increases requiring frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering precisionVSAvoidsensitivity to reactance changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter apparatus employs a dynamically adjustable capacitor arrangement with multiple switchable capacitors that can change their capacitance values in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the filter to adapt to reactance changes in the power system, maintaining optimal filtering performance without requiring frequent manual adjustments while preserving narrow-band filtering precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameters (capacitance values) of the filter components to optimize performance. By providing multiple capacitor elements with different capacitance values that can be selectively connected or disconnected, the filter's resonant frequency and impedance characteristics can be adjusted to compensate for system variations, thereby reducing sensitivity to reactance changes while maintaining filtering precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple capacitor banks are installed for reactive power generation, then reactive power capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactive power capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides harmonic filtering while also generating reactive power. The same capacitor arrangement that forms the basis of the filter's tuning capability also contributes to reactive power generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate capacitor banks dedicated solely to reactive power compensation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving reactive power capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the filtering function and reactive power generation function into a single integrated apparatus. The capacitor elements that provide tuning capability for harmonic filtering are also utilized for reactive power compensation. By combining these functions in one device rather than using separate systems, the overall device complexity is reduced while achieving both objectives effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If tuned filters are designed with precise component values, then filtering performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidcomponent value precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than relying on precisely manufactured fixed components, the invention uses dynamically adjustable capacitor elements. The capacitance values can be modified after manufacturing through switching different capacitor combinations, compensating for any deviations from nominal values. This reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high filtering performance through post-manufacturing adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter apparatus incorporates preliminary adjustment mechanisms in the form of switchable capacitor configurations. During installation or maintenance, the capacitor combinations can be pre-adjusted to achieve the desired resonant frequency and filtering characteristics. This preliminary action compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures optimal performance without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision on individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 provides improved harmonic filtering with a compact, cost-efficient filter that maintains optimal performance by allowing precise adjustment of capacitance and resonance frequency, reducing stress on system components and enhancing power transmission and control.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of second capacitors and the plurality of switches are arranged to connect or disconnect the second capacitors on different potentials in order to tune the filter by adjusting the capacitance of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The tuned filters are designed as series-resonance circuits, comprising capacitive, inductive and sometimes also resistive impedance elements, tuned such that, at one or more of the harmonic frequencies expected in the electrical power transmission or distribution system, they are to exhibit purely resistive impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2856596B1A filter apparatus, a method for filtering harmonics in an electrical power transmission or distribution system, and such a system
Publication Date: 2016.06.01 ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP2856596B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2856596B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2856596B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A filter apparatus (102) comprising at least one filter (116; 116A; 116D; 216; 316), each filter being tunable and comprising at least one capacitor arrangement (128a; 128b). The capacitor arrangement comprises a plurality of first capacitors (506; 614), a plurality of second capacitors (510; 618), and a plurality of switches (512; 620). Each switch is switchable between a non-conducting mode and a conducting mode. The plurality of second capacitors and the plurality of switches are arranged to connect or disconnect the second capacitors on different potentials in order to tune the filter by adjusting the capacitance of the filter. An electrical power transmission or distribution system comprising such a filter apparatus. A method for filtering harmonics in an electrical power transmission or distribution system by means of such a filter apparatus.