Voltage Control Inverter Skip Logic for Grid Outage Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage control inverters, when activated during a power outage, can cause electric shocks to workers or equipment due to voltage output, as they lack a mechanism to determine if the power grid is in a state different from normal, leading to unsafe black start operations.
Innovation Solution
The voltage control inverter is designed to skip executing control commands for voltage output if the microgrid is disconnected from the power grid, determined by a voltage within a predetermined range, thereby preventing unsafe activation during power outages or system accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the voltage control inverter executes control commands for voltage output during power outage, then black start capability is achieved, but electric shock hazard occurs to workers or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control command execution unit is configured to preliminarily determine whether the power grid is in a normal state before executing voltage output commands. This preliminary check prevents voltage output during power outages by verifying grid status in advance, thus avoiding electric shock hazards while maintaining black start capability when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring power grid status and using this information to control voltage output. The control command execution unit receives feedback about grid state (normal or outage) and adjusts voltage output accordingly, preventing harmful voltage output during outages while enabling it during normal operation
2Device complexity
If the voltage control inverter lacks a mechanism to determine power grid state, then device complexity is reduced, but unsafe activation during power outages occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control command execution unit serves multiple functions: it executes voltage output commands during normal operation, determines power grid state, and prevents voltage output during outages. This multi-functionality achieves reliable safe operation without adding separate dedicated devices, maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control inverter performs self-diagnosis by having its control command execution unit determine the power grid state itself. This self-service approach enables the system to autonomously identify outage conditions and prevent unsafe activation without requiring external monitoring systems, maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a voltage control inverter interconnectable with a power system, includes receiving circuitry configured to receive a first control command for outputting a voltage to the power system; and controlling circuitry configured to execute the first control command to output the voltage to the power system. The controlling circuitry is configured to skip to execute the first control command in response to the first control command being received during a period in which the power system is in a first state that is different from a normal state.