Single-Phase Voltage Regulator Adaptive Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-phase power systems, single-phase voltage regulators face challenges in maintaining optimal voltage levels due to momentary load drops and voltage oscillations around the in-band/out-of-band edges, leading to delayed or missed tap position changes, which affect efficient voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive time characteristic, percentage time characteristic, and average voltage characteristic in the voltage control device's microcontroller, which adjusts countdown timers and determines tap position changes based on elapsed times, dip times, percentage of time in out-of-band ranges, and averaged voltage values to optimize voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a definite time characteristic is used for voltage regulation control, then the voltage regulator responds to out-of-band voltage conditions, but momentary load drops cause the measured voltage to dip back into the in-band area, resetting the timer and delaying necessary tap position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timer characteristic adaptive rather than fixed. The microcontroller monitors whether voltage excursions are momentary or sustained and dynamically adjusts the timer behavior accordingly. When momentary dips are detected, the timer is prevented from resetting, allowing the system to adapt its response based on the actual voltage condition pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of timer reset behavior based on detected voltage patterns. By monitoring the frequency and duration of voltage excursions, the system modifies whether the timer resets or continues counting, effectively changing the time characteristic parameter from fixed to conditional based on operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the voltage control device uses conventional timing characteristics, then it operates with simple timer logic, but it fails to account for oscillating voltage around in-band/OOB edges, leading to missed or delayed tap position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring voltage measurements and using this information to adjust timer behavior. The microcontroller detects patterns in voltage excursions and feeds this information back to the timing logic, allowing the system to distinguish between momentary dips and sustained out-of-band conditions and respond appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting voltage oscillation patterns before they cause problematic timer resets. By monitoring the frequency and duration of excursions in advance, the system can preemptively adjust timer behavior to prevent delayed responses, ensuring tap position changes occur at the appropriate time.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for controlling operation of a voltage regulator of a single-phase of a three-phase power system to regulate a measured voltage. One of the methods includes recording a first elapsed time between detecting a first excursion of the measured voltage from an in-band area to an out-of-band area, and a first return of the measured voltage to the in-band area. The method also includes recording a second elapsed time period (dip period) between detecting the first return and a second excursion of the measured voltage from the in-band area to an out-of-band area. If the second elapsed time period is less than a predetermined dip time period, causing a tap position change of the voltage regulator upon expiration of a countdown period initiated upon detecting the first excursion, thereby adjusting the measured voltage to the in-band area while allowing a voltage drop of limited length.