Voltage Regulator Control for Bidirectional Power Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage regulators lack the capability to accommodate both cogeneration and reverse power flow modes of operation due to system reconfiguration, leading to ineffective voltage regulation in power distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator control method that senses current flow, determines power direction by altering voltage between terminals, and selects an appropriate regulating scheme based on verified power flow, allowing operation in both forward and reverse power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage regulator is designed to operate in a single forward power mode, then the control logic is simple, but the device cannot accommodate reverse power flow due to system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator employs dynamic control logic that automatically adapts its operation mode based on real-time power flow direction detection. The controller switches between forward power mode and reverse power mode depending on system configuration, enabling the device to handle both cogeneration and reverse power flow scenarios without requiring multiple dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed with multi-functional capability to operate in both forward power mode and reverse power mode. By integrating power flow direction sensing and adaptive control, a single device performs multiple functions that previously required separate devices, accommodating system reconfiguration and distributed generation scenarios
2Reliability
If the voltage regulator uses traditional single-mode control logic, then the device structure is simple, but voltage regulation becomes ineffective during system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power flow direction and system configuration. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts its operation mode (forward or reverse power mode) to maintain effective voltage regulation during system reconfiguration and distributed generation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary detection of power flow direction before initiating voltage regulation operations. By anticipating the operational mode requirements based on system configuration detection, the controller prepares the appropriate control scheme in advance, ensuring reliable voltage regulation from the outset
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a voltage regulator having a nominal input and a nominal output structured to operate in a forward power mode wherein power flows from the input to the output and a reverse power mode wherein power flows from the output to the input. The method includes sensing current flowing through the voltage regulator, determining a direction of power flow through the voltage regulator based on the sensed current, determining a verified direction of power flow through the voltage regulator by altering a voltage between the input and the output and analyzing an effect caused thereby on at least one of a voltage at the input and a voltage at the output, and selecting a voltage regulating scheme for controlling the voltage regulator based on the verified direction of power flow.