Variable Speed Controller Test Apparatus Using Virtual System Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulating the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of large-scale variable speed pumped-storage power generating systems in a factory setting is challenging due to difficulties in accurately replicating the reactance and resistance components, which hinders the accurate measurement of electromagnetic transient phenomena and validation of variable speed controller performance.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus and method that includes computation units simulating the behaviors of prime movers, AC machines, and power converters using state quantities and variable transfer functions, allowing for the accurate simulation of actual system behaviors without requiring the actual systems, by employing a central processing unit, program, and interface to mimic the dynamic characteristics of the power system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a small-sized test apparatus is used to simulate the variable speed pumped-storage power generating system, then the test can be performed in a factory setting, but the reactance and resistance components cannot be accurately simulated, leading to inaccurate measurement of electromagnetic transient phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the actual power generating system using a simulation apparatus that models the mathematical behaviors of the pump turbine, generator motor, and power converter. This virtual model replicates the electromagnetic transient phenomena without requiring physical scaling, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling factory-based testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical mechanical test apparatus with a computational simulation system that uses a computer to calculate and simulate the electromagnetic transient characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for physical scale models while preserving the accuracy of transient phenomenon measurement through mathematical modeling.
2Measurement precision
If the actual variable speed system is used for testing, then accurate electromagnetic transient phenomena can be measured, but it is practically difficult to combine the controller with the actual apparatus in a factory setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the actual power generating system that captures all essential electromagnetic transient characteristics. This virtual model allows the controller to be tested in a factory setting with the same measurement accuracy as would be achieved with the actual system, but without the logistical complexity of assembling and transporting large-scale equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation apparatus acts as an intermediary between the controller and the actual power generating system. It provides a virtual environment that mimics the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the real system, enabling factory-based controller testing without requiring physical connection to the actual large-scale apparatus.
3Device complexity
If a small-sized test apparatus is used, then the test setup is simplified and can be performed in a factory, but the dynamic characteristics and transient phenomena of the actual system cannot be accurately simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical small-sized test apparatus with a computer-based simulation system that uses mathematical models to accurately represent the dynamic characteristics and transient phenomena of the actual power generating system. This substitution maintains test reliability for controller validation while keeping the physical apparatus simple and factory-deployable.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation apparatus dynamically adjusts simulation parameters such as reactance, resistance, and operating conditions to match the actual system's characteristics. By changing these parameters within the virtual model, the system accurately reproduces transient phenomena and dynamic behavior without requiring physical scale models, thereby ensuring reliable controller performance validation.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a test apparatus (10) for a variable speed controller (20) is provided. A prime mover computation unit (16) computes behaviors of the prime mover (6), using a state quantity regarding the prime mover (6) and a predetermined transfer function. An AC machine computation unit (15) computes behaviors of the AC machine (5), using a state quantity regarding the AC machine (5) and a predetermined transfer function. A power converter computation unit (14) computes behaviors of the power converter (4), using a state quantity regarding the power converter (4) and a predetermined transfer function. Each of the computation units uses computation results of other computation units.