Voltage Control System for Low Voltage Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low-voltage electrical power supply networks face overvoltage issues due to renewable energy production, leading to disconnection of energy sources like solar panels, resulting in a loss of renewable energy production potential.
Innovation Solution
A voltage level control system that includes energy storage means like Joule-effect water heaters, which measure and adjust voltage levels by activating or deactivating resistive loads based on predetermined thresholds, avoiding oscillations and allowing continuous operation of renewable energy sources without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decoupling protection is used to limit overvoltages on the network, then voltage stability is improved, but renewable energy production is lost due to systematic disconnection of production sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the control system with estimation means) between the production source and the decoupling protection. This intermediary estimates the impact of production on network voltage and selectively activates/disconnects production sources based on predicted voltage impact, rather than systematically disconnecting all sources. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining voltage stability through selective control while preserving renewable energy production potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring network voltage, estimating the impact of production sources on voltage levels, and adjusting the connection status of production sources accordingly. The control system uses the estimated voltage impact as feedback to make intelligent decisions about which production sources to connect or disconnect, resolving the contradiction between maintaining voltage stability and preserving production potential.
2Device complexity
If estimation means are added to control voltage levels, then device complexity increases, but communication infrastructure costs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each production source to autonomously estimate its own impact on network voltage using local measurements and calculations. The system performs self-assessment of voltage impact without requiring external communication infrastructure, installing, or coordination. This resolves the contradiction by accepting increased device complexity (estimation means) while eliminating communication infrastructure costs, making the system easier to manufacture and install.
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 solution effectively manages overvoltages on low-voltage networks, preventing the disconnection of renewable energy sources and maintaining electrical production potential while ensuring network stability without the need for communication between devices.
Implementation Method 1
energy storage means of the electric battery type or in particular resistive loads associated with heat storage (for example Joule-effect storage water heater)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a voltage level control system on a low voltage power supply network comprising means of electricity production, in particular means of electricity production based on renewable energy, and means of energy storage of the type electric batteries or loads, in particular resistive, associated with heat storage, characterized in that it comprises means (120) adapted for measuring the voltage on the network, means adapted for activating and deactivating all or part of the energy storage means, means (130) adapted for controlling the activation and deactivation of the energy storage means, as a function of the voltage measured on the network in relation to predetermined thresholds, and means (120) adapted for avoiding oscillations resulting from the activation and deactivation of the energy storage means.