Variable Transformer Grid Voltage Control for Decentralized Feeders

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of virtual power plants with distributed energy resources leads to high communication and control costs due to the need for extensive data exchange across multiple decentralized feeders, making it challenging to maintain a stable and self-regulating low-voltage electrical system.

Innovation Solution

The method involves actively varying the grid voltage using a transformer with a variable transmission ratio, where the low-voltage line serves as a data connection, allowing decentralized feeders to adjust their power output based on the voltage level, thereby reducing the need for extensive communication and enabling self-regulation of the grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized feeders are integrated into a virtual power plant with extensive communication networks, then control and optimization capability is improved, but communication and control costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and optimization capabilityVSAvoidcommunication and control costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function from the control mechanism and replaces it with direct electrical signal transmission through voltage variation. Instead of using communication networks to convey control signals, the system uses the electrical grid itself as the communication medium, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical grid serves dual purposes: it simultaneously functions as both the power transmission medium and the communication channel. By encoding control information in voltage variations, the same infrastructure used for energy distribution is also used for control signaling, eliminating the need for separate communication networks and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a central location controls the virtual power plant, then coordination of decentralized feeders is improved, but communication data volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination capabilityVSAvoidcommunication data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic communication system with an electrical field-based control system. Instead of transmitting data packets through communication networks, control signals are embedded in the electrical voltage itself, allowing coordination without substantial data exchange and eliminating information loss associated with digital communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If each feeder connects to communication network for virtual power plant control, then individual control precision is improved, but overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual control precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each decentralized feeder autonomously responds to voltage variations by adjusting its own power output based on the electrical signal received through the grid. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems or individual communication connections for each feeder, reducing system complexity while maintaining control precision through the universal voltage signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach reduces communication expenses and allows for a stable, self-regulating grid operation by using the voltage level as a signal for energy flow adjustments, effectively managing control energy and load peaks within established voltage tolerance bands.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (T) with variable transmission ratio for varying the grid voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the low-voltage line LV itself functions as physical layer of the data connection for the grid control. The voltage level in that case represents the usable date, transmitted by this line as data bus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8212397B2Method for operating a low-voltage electrical system

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 KAESTLE GUNNAR

AI summary

Decentralized power generation installations are connected to a low-voltage electrical system LV. These installations can make available control energy. The control of the active power output by the power generation installations into the low-voltage electrical system takes place by means of active variation of the system voltage by means of a transformer T with a variable transformation ratio.