Two-Way Power Distribution Bus Voltage Regulation for Renewable Feed-In

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power distribution networks struggle to dynamically manage voltage in two-way networks, especially with the integration of renewable energy sources, as they are not configured to adjust in real-time and often limit renewable energy exports due to limitations in transformer designs and control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An electrical power regulating apparatus with a DC contactor, transmission network connector, and electronic controlling devices that can independently regulate voltage by selectively connecting DC terminals and neutral terminals to manage voltage in real-time, using reactive and real power adjustments, and capable of operating in both current and voltage modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional transformer tap changers and voltage regulators are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the system cannot respond dynamically to real-time voltage changes and renewable energy feed-in variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic voltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by replacing static transformer tap changers with power electronic devices (inverters and converters) that can continuously adjust voltage levels in real-time based on grid conditions and renewable energy feed-in variations, enabling the system to adapt dynamically rather than relying on discrete, pre-configured tap positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical transformer tap changers with electronic power conversion systems. The mechanical switching of tap positions is replaced by electronic control of power electronic devices, eliminating the need for physical disconnection and mechanical adjustment while achieving faster, more precise voltage regulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If transformer tap transformers are disconnected to be adjusted, then voltage regulation is achieved, but real-time response to voltage changes is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation response timeVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous voltage regulation without disconnection by using power electronic devices that can adjust voltage levels instantaneously through electronic control signals, eliminating the operational interruption inherent in mechanical tap changer adjustments and maintaining continuous power flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical disconnection and reconnection process of tap changers with electronic switching in power converters, allowing voltage regulation to occur without breaking the electrical circuit or interrupting power supply to connected loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional one-way network designs are used, then voltage control is achieved, but renewable energy feed-in is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy export capacityVSAvoidnetwork configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static one-way power flow architecture into a dynamic two-way network where power electronic devices enable bidirectional energy flow, allowing renewable energy sources to inject power into the grid while the system dynamically adjusts voltage and power flow directions based on generation and consumption patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements multi-functional power electronic devices that can operate in multiple modes: consuming power during low generation periods, generating power during high renewable output, and providing voltage regulation services, thereby enabling the network to handle both traditional load supply and renewable energy integration through a single versatile infrastructure

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

Data Source

PatentUS12062910B2Two-way electrical power distribution network
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 ELEXSYS IP PTY LTD
  • US12062910B2 patent drawing
  • US12062910B2 patent drawing
  • US12062910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a two-way electrical power distribution network including: a high electrical power distribution bus; medium voltage electrical power feed lines; low voltage distribution lines, wherein the low voltage distribution lines are connected to load(s) and/or source(s); and, medium voltage electrical power regulating apparatus including: a DC contactor having DC terminals; a transmission network connector connected to the medium voltage electrical power feed line including: live terminal(s) connected to live connection(s) and a neutral terminal connected to a neutral of the medium voltage electrical power feed line; switches connected to the DC contactor; and electronic controlling devices coupled to the switches and control the switches to independently regulate electrical power on each of the live connection and the neutral connection of the medium voltage electrical power feed line to thereby maintain a voltage in the electrical power distribution bus during different load and source conditions.