Virtual Synchronous Machine Control for Faster Power Feed-In

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The dynamic adjustment of target active power in virtual synchronous machines, such as those used in photovoltaic systems, is hindered by the inertia of the virtual synchronous machine, leading to delayed grid feed-in during rapid power changes.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that incorporate multiple control units, including a Pf coupling and transfer functions, to dynamically determine and provide angular velocities, allowing for a more responsive and modular control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a virtual synchronous machine is used to combine power converter technology with grid-critical characteristics, then grid stability and frequency interaction are improved, but dynamic adjustment capability and response speed deteriorate due to virtual inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid stabilityVSAvoiddynamic response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent control units (first control unit for electrical component, second control unit for mechanical component, third control unit for additional angular velocity). Each control unit processes specific functions separately, allowing the system to maintain virtual synchronous machine characteristics for grid stability while enabling dynamic adjustment capabilities through modular control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the first angular velocity by combining outputs from multiple control units with different response characteristics. The Pf coupling in the second control unit provides dynamic frequency adjustment based on power input, while the third control unit adds further dynamic angular velocity components, enabling the system to adapt its response speed according to grid conditions while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control units are added to improve dynamic adjustment capability, then response speed and adaptability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control units are designed with universal functionality where the first control unit handles electrical component control, the second control unit with Pf coupling handles mechanical component control and frequency adjustment, and the third control unit provides additional angular velocity modulation. This multi-functional design allows each unit to serve multiple purposes within the virtual synchronous machine framework, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4704288A1Device and method for providing a first angular speed and a voltage amplitude for determining a target current value for a control
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4704288A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4704288A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4704288A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for providing a first angular velocity and a voltage amplitude for determining a setpoint current value for a control system is proposed, wherein the device comprises a second control unit, wherein a first control unit is configured as an electrical component and the second control unit as a mechanical component of a transfer function of a virtual synchronous machine, wherein the second control unit is configured as a Pf coupling which is configured to use at least one electrical input quantity and to provide the voltage amplitude and a second angular velocity, wherein the device comprises a third control unit which is configured to provide a third angular velocity as a function of the electrical input quantity, wherein the device is configured toto determine and provide the first angular velocity as a function of the second and third angular velocities.