Variable DC Voltage Grid for Adaptive Power State Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC voltage grids operate with fixed DC voltage, limiting their ability to adapt to changes in energy supply and demand, leading to inefficiencies and potential overloading, as they lack a mechanism to communicate grid states effectively to consumers, generators, and storage units.
Innovation Solution
A variable DC voltage grid with an actuator that adjusts the voltage based on the state of energy sources, storage units, and consumers, allowing each component to react to grid conditions, such as over-supply or under-supply, through threshold-based control, thereby stabilizing the grid and optimizing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC voltage is maintained at a constant nominal value, then electrical losses are low due to low current, but the grid cannot adapt to changes in energy supply and demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant voltage system to a dynamic variable voltage system. The DC voltage is made adjustable through actuators that can modify the voltage level based on real-time grid conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing energy supply and demand while maintaining optimal operating parameters to minimize electrical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the DC voltage level as a controllable parameter. Instead of maintaining a fixed nominal voltage, the system changes the voltage parameter dynamically according to grid state, enabling adaptation to different operational conditions while managing electrical losses through optimized voltage-current relationships.
2Loss of information
If DC voltage is increased to indicate good energy capacity, then grid state information is communicated to components, but electrical losses increase due to higher voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the DC voltage level as an informational signal that communicates grid state to connected components. The voltage level serves as a feedback mechanism where actuators adjust voltage to convey information about energy capacity and grid conditions, enabling consumers, generators, and storage units to adapt their behavior accordingly without requiring separate communication channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable voltage is implemented to improve grid adaptability, then grid state communication is enabled, but system complexity increases due to actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the DC voltage serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to consumers while also acting as an informational signal to communicate grid state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate communication infrastructure and integrates control capabilities into the existing power distribution architecture, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A DC voltage grid includes an electrical conductor electrically interconnecting electrical components, with a DC voltage applied between parts of the electrical conductor. An actuator is configured to vary the DC voltage such that a value of the DC voltage depends on at least one state of the DC voltage grid. Information about the at least one state is transmitted to the electrical components of the DC voltage grid by way of the DC voltage. A wind farm having wind turbines connected to such a DC voltage grid and a method for operating such a DC voltage grid or such a wind farm are also disclosed. The DC voltage of the DC voltage grid is controlled or regulated depending on a state of the DC voltage grid.