Voltage Stabilization via Differential Tap Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing penetration of decentralized renewable energy generation systems and electromobility causes significant voltage fluctuations in energy distribution networks, leading to voltage range violations, which existing technologies struggle to effectively stabilize, especially in medium and low-voltage networks.

Innovation Solution

A method that continuously monitors and adjusts transformer tap changers based on differential values calculated from network node and transformer voltage measurements, ensuring that network node voltages remain within specified limits by stepping the transformer tap changer only when necessary, and using reactive power adjustments from decentralized power generation systems to mitigate voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized renewable energy generation systems and electromobility are integrated into the network, then energy supply flexibility and accessibility are improved, but voltage fluctuations increase causing voltage range violations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network node voltage values are continuously monitored and compared against a specified voltage range. When voltage deviations are detected, the system automatically triggers reactive power adjustments from decentralized power generation systems to correct the voltage levels, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains voltage stability despite increasing renewable energy penetration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the reactive power output parameter of decentralized power generation systems based on real-time voltage conditions. By changing the reactive power parameter in response to voltage fluctuations, the system can compensate for voltage deviations caused by renewable energy integration and electromobility loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If transformer tap changers are frequently stepped to correct voltage deviations, then voltage range compliance is improved, but the service life of the transformer tap changer decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage range complianceVSAvoidtransformer tap changer service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary voltage correction by adjusting reactive power output from decentralized power generation systems before voltage deviations become severe enough to require transformer tap changer intervention. This preliminary action prevents the need for frequent tap changer operations, extending its service life while maintaining voltage compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reactive power adjustment from decentralized power generation systems as an intermediary mechanism between voltage fluctuations and transformer tap changer operation. This intermediary action absorbs voltage deviations through reactive power compensation, reducing the frequency and magnitude of tap changer steps required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If network expansion is implemented to comply with voltage limits, then voltage stability is improved, but infrastructure costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables decentralized power generation systems to self-regulate voltage levels by adjusting their own reactive power output based on monitored voltage conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for network expansion or additional centralized voltage control infrastructure, maintaining voltage stability through the intelligent operation of existing distributed resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3111528B1Method for preventing voltage range deviations
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 SIEMENS AG OESTERR
  • EP3111528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3111528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3111528B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for avoiding voltage-band violations of an energy distribution network (3). Said energy distribution network comprises at least one transformer (2), which has a transformer tap changer and a bus bar, and at least one network node (4). The method is characterized by: 1) continuous measurement of at least one network node voltage value (5) at the network node (4), 2) continuous measurement and storage of transformer voltage values (6) at the bus bar, 3) generation of at least one average value (7, 22) of the stored transformer voltage values (6) of the bus bar, preferably within a specified time interval (t1, t2), 4) generation of a difference value (8) on the basis of a generated average value (22) and the measured network node voltage value (5) at the network node (4), 5) calculation of a network node correspondence value, which corresponds at least approximately to the network node voltage value (5) currently present at the network node (4), by means of the difference value (8) and a generated average value (7), and 6) continuous repetition of steps 2) to 5), the difference value (8) being generated with a further measured network node voltage value (5) present at the network node (4) if such a further measured network node voltage value occurs, tap changing of the tap changer being performed if the calculated network node correspondence value lies outside a specified voltage band (9).