Voltage Stability Monitoring Using Thevenin Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring voltage stability in transmission corridors are prone to false alarms due to inaccuracies in tracking the Thevenin equivalent of the power generating part, leading to premature detection of voltage instability.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors the equivalent load impedance and separately updates the Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance at the power generating part interface, using phasor measurements to compute an index indicating voltage stability, dynamically adjusting thresholds and adapting to changes in power flow direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If known tracking techniques are used to estimate Thevenin equivalent impedance, then real-time monitoring capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidThevenin equivalent tracking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tracking process into distinct phases: initialization phase using recursive least squares for accurate initial estimation, and steady-state phase using algebraic equations for continuous real-time updates. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high initial precision and sustained real-time performance without false alarms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by initializing the Thevenin equivalent parameters using recursive least squares before switching to the faster algebraic update method. This preliminary accurate estimation establishes a reliable baseline that prevents false alarms during the transition to real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If recursive least squares technique is used to track Thevenin equivalent, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to computational delays

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveThevenin equivalent tracking accuracyVSAvoidcomputational delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tracking operation into initialization phase (using computationally intensive recursive least squares) and continuous monitoring phase (using faster algebraic equations). This segmentation eliminates ongoing computational delays while maintaining precision through the initial accurate estimation and subsequent efficient updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using recursive least squares only for initialization and specific disturbance conditions, rather than continuously. This reduces overall computational time loss while maintaining measurement precision when it matters most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If assumptions about Thevenin equivalent voltage or impedance are made to simplify tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking algorithm complexityVSAvoidThevenin equivalent estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation by switching between different tracking methods based on system conditions. The system dynamically selects between recursive least squares, algebraic equations, and hybrid approaches depending on whether the system is in transient or steady-state, maintaining precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by adjusting the estimation method based on operating conditions. During disturbances, it uses more accurate but complex methods; during steady-state, it uses simpler methods. This parameter adaptation maintains precision while managing complexity according to actual system needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9588156B2Monitoring voltage stability of a transmission corridor
Publication Date: 2017.03.07 QUANTA TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US9588156B2 patent drawing
  • US9588156B2 patent drawing
  • US9588156B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A voltage stability monitoring apparatus monitors the voltage stability of a transmission corridor through which power flows between different parts of a power system. The apparatus monitors an equivalent load impedance at an interface between the transmission corridor and a part of the power system designated as generating the power. This equivalent load impedance at the interface comprises a ratio of a voltage phasor at the interface to a current phasor at the interface. The apparatus tracks a Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance of the designated part by separately updating that voltage and impedance. Notably, the apparatus updates the imaginary part of the Thevenin equivalent voltage to reflect the magnitude of any changes in the voltage phasor that are associated with large variations in the magnitude of the equivalent load impedance at the interface. The apparatus computes an index indicating the voltage stability as a function of this tracked Thevenin equivalent voltage and impedance.