U.S. patent application number 15/715737 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for utility networks.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gridco Inc.. Invention is credited to Naimish Patel, James Simonelli, Jia Wu.
Application Number | 20180084663 15/715737 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52668691 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180084663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simonelli; James ; et
al. |
March 22, 2018 |
MODULAR, SCALABLE, MULTI-FUNCTION, POWER QUALITY SYSTEM FOR UTILITY
NETWORKS
Abstract
A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system
provides a modular and scalable power conditioning system for
utility networks. A configurable frame coupled to an electrical
input and an electrical output. A plurality of functional slots
each including a receiving connector are coupled to the frame. One
or more unique function subsystems are coupled to selected
functional slots. Each unique function subsystem includes one or
more electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of
selected functional slots configured to define functional
capability associated with the one or more functional slots. A
plurality of identical power modules are disposed in selected
functional slots of each of the one or more unique function
subsystems. A controller coupled to each of the power modules is
configured to enable the power modules in predetermined functional
slots of the one or more unique subsystems to perform a
predetermined function associated with the electrical input or the
electrical output.
Inventors: |
Simonelli; James; (Grafton,
MA) ; Patel; Naimish; (Boston, MA) ; Wu;
Jia; (Andover, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gridco Inc. |
Woburn |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52668691 |
Appl. No.: |
15/715737 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14031341 |
Sep 19, 2013 |
9795048 |
|
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15715737 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20130101; Y02E
40/10 20130101; H05K 7/1432 20130101; Y02E 40/18 20130101; H02J
3/1814 20130101; H05K 7/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/14 20060101
H05K007/14; H02J 3/18 20060101 H02J003/18; H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00 |
Claims
1. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for
utility networks, the system comprising: a configurable frame
coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; a
plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector
coupled to the frame; one or more unique function subsystems
coupled to selected functional slots, each unique function
subsystem including one or more electrical components coupled to
the receiving connector of selected functional slots configured to
define functional capability associated with the one or more
functional slots; a plurality of identical power modules disposed
in selected functional slots of each of the one or more unique
function subsystems; and a controller coupled to each of the power
modules configured to enable the power modules in predetermined
functional slots of the one or more unique subsystems to perform a
predetermined function associated with the electrical input or the
electrical output.
2. The system of claim 1 in which at least one of the unique
function subsystems is configured as a pre-charger module for
pre-charging a DC bus for each of the plurality of identical power
modules and for providing isolation.
3. The system of claim 2 in which the pre-charger subsystem
includes at least a coil, a contact, a plurality of switches, and a
resistor.
4. The system of claim 1 in which the at least one of the unique
function subsystems is configured as a VAR injector filter module
configured to provide clean power to the electrical input.
5. The system of claim 4 in which the VAR injector filter module is
configured to provide input harmonic current cancellation.
6. The system of claim 4 in which the VAR injector filter module
includes a filter.
7. The system of claim 4 further including a capacitive bank
subsystem coupled to the VAR injector filter module configured to
provide additional capacitance needed for VAR injection.
8. The system of claim 1 in which at least one of the unique
function subsystems includes a power regulation filter module
configured to provide filtered voltage to the electrical
output.
9. The system of claim 8 in which the power filter regulation
module is configured to provide output voltage harmonic
cancellation.
10. The system of claim 8 in which the power regulation filter
module includes an inductor and a capacitor configured as a
filter.
11. The system of claim 8 further including a series injector
module configured to inject regulator voltage to the output
electrical port to provide power regulation and provide bypass
protection during an overload or failure of the system.
12. The system of claim 11 in which the series injector module
includes at least a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), a
transformer, and a plurality of switches.
13. The system of claim 1 in which each of the plurality of power
modules includes an output connector configured to connect to the
receiving connector of a selected functional slot.
14. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the functional capability associated with each of the one or
more unique functional subsystems.
15. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense DC bus voltage of each of the power supply modules.
16. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the current in each of the power modules.
17. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the current from the electrical input.
18. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the current from the electrical output.
19. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the voltage from the electrical input.
20. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the voltage of the electrical input.
21. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
sense the temperature of the system.
22. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
control selected power modules to perform VAR injection.
23. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
control selected power modules to perform harmonic current
cancellation.
24. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
control selected power modules to perform voltage regulation.
25. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
control selected power modules to perform harmonic voltage
cancellation.
26. The system of claim 1 in which each of the identical power
modules includes a plurality of gate drives coupled to a plurality
of switching transistors responsive to signals from the
controller.
27. The system of claim of claim 26 in which the controller is
configured to generate control signals to each of the power modules
to activate predetermined switching transistors of the power
modules.
28. The system of claim 27 in which the control signals include
pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals.
29. The system of claim 1 in which the controller is configured to
generate control signals to control and define the one or more
unique function subsystems.
30. The system of claim 29 in which the control signals include
pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals.
31. The system of claim 1 in which selected components comprising
unique function subsystems are located on the one or more of the
identical power modules
32. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for
utility networks, the system comprising: a configurable frame
coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; a
plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector
coupled to the frame; a VAR injector filter module coupled to
selected functional slots including one or more electrical
components coupled to the receiving connector of selected
functional slots configured to provide clean power to the
electrical input; a plurality of identical power modules disposed
in selected functional slots of the VAR injector filter module; and
a controller coupled to each of the power modules configured to
enable the power modules in predetermined functional slots of the
VAR injector filter module to provide clean power to the electrical
input.
33. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for
utility networks, the system comprising: a configurable frame
coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; a
plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector
coupled to the frame; a power filter module including one or more
electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of
selected functional slots configured to provide filtered voltage to
the electrical output; a plurality of identical power modules
disposed in selected functional slots of the power filter module;
and a controller coupled to each of the power modules configured to
enable the power modules in predetermined functional slots of the
power filter module to provide filtered voltage to the electrical
output.
34. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for
utility networks, the system comprising: a configurable frame
coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; a
plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector
coupled to the frame; a VAR injector filter module coupled to
selected functional slots including one or more electrical
components coupled to the receiving connector of selected
functional slots configured to provide clean power to the
electrical input; a power filter module coupled to selected
functional slots including one or more electrical components
coupled to the receiving connector of selected functional slots
configured to provide filtered voltage to the electrical output; a
plurality of identical power modules disposed in selected
functional slots of each of the VAR injector filter module and the
power filter module; and a controller coupled to each of the power
modules configured to enable the power modules in predetermined
functional slots of the VAR injector filter module and the power
filter module to provide clean power to the electrical input and
filtered voltage to the electrical output.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/031,341 filed Sep. 19, 2013, and
claims benefit of and priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.
119, 120, 363, 365 and 37 C.F.R. .sctn..sctn. 1.55 and 1.78, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a modular, scalable,
multi-function, power quality system for utility networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ideally, the power generated and delivered by electrical
utility grid network would have pure sine wave shapes. However,
such an idealized electrical utility grid network does not exist.
As a result, reinforcing feedback exists where electrical loads
draw non-ideal sine waves of current which in turn distorts the
shape of the supply voltage waves which further erodes the current
wave shape drawn by the loads.
[0004] Numerous conventional power quality systems, e.g.,
uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power conditioners, active
harmonic cancelation systems, harmonic traps, transformer tap
chargers, capacitor banks, static VAR compensators, unified power
flow controllers, and the like, operate with passive filters, power
electronics, and/or a combination of both to improve either the
voltage or current waveforms delivered to or from electrical loads.
Such conventional power quality systems typically tend to isolate
disturbances from the supply voltage or electrical load
currents.
[0005] Many conventional power quality systems, e.g., tap changers
and surge suppressors, have a single function and are designed to
improve only one dimension of power quality provided by the
electrical utility grid, such as RMS voltage variations or high
voltage spikes induced by lightning. Some conventional power
quality systems may provide multiple functions in a single device.
Examples may include UPSs, Static VAR Compensators, and Unified
Power Flow Controllers. Other conventional power quality systems
may provide modularity and scalability to allow the systems to
scale in size from low to higher power with the same building
blocks, e.g., scalable UPSs.
[0006] Electrical utility distribution networks often need to scale
power processing by functional dimension in addition to just
scaling the input to output power capacity rating. For example,
often more power processing is needed for voltage regulation than
harmonic cancelation or power factor improvement. Thus, electrical
utility grids are forced to either purchase multiple
single-function power quality system or to purchase a
multi-function power quality system that is often oversized for two
or more of the required functions. This leads to higher costs for
the utility companies and ultimately higher utility bills for
consumers. To date, no known conventional power quality system can
address such a need faced by electrical utility grids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, a modular, scalable, multi-function, power
quality system for utility networks is featured. The system
includes a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an
electrical output. A plurality of functional slots each including a
receiving connector are coupled to the frame. One or more unique
function subsystems are coupled to selected functional slots. Each
unique function subsystem includes one or more electrical
components coupled to the receiving connector of selected
functional slots configured to define functional capability
associated with the one or more functional slots. A plurality of
identical power modules are disposed in selected functional slots
of each of the one or more unique function subsystems. A controller
coupled to each of the power modules is configured to enable the
power modules in predetermined functional slots of the one or more
unique subsystems to perform a predetermined function associated
with the electrical input or the electrical output.
[0008] In one embodiment, at least one of the unique function
subsystems may be configured as a pre-charger module for
pre-charging a DC bus for each of the plurality of identical power
modules and for providing isolation. The pre-charger subsystem may
include at least a coil, a contact, a plurality of switches, and a
resistor. At least one of the unique function subsystems may be
configured as a VAR injector filter module configured to provide
clean power to the electrical input. The VAR injector filter module
may be configured to provide input harmonic current cancellation.
The VAR injector filter module may include a filter. The system may
include a capacitive bank subsystem coupled to the VAR injector
filter module configured to provide additional capacitance needed
for VAR injection. At least one of the unique function subsystems
may include a power filter regulation module configured to provide
regulated voltage to the electrical output. The power filter
regulation module may be configured to provide output voltage
harmonic cancellation. The power filter regulation module may
include an inductor and a capacitor configured as a filter. The
system may include a series injector module configured to inject
regulator voltage to the output electrical port to provide power
regulation and provide bypass protection during an overload or
failure of the system. The series injector module may include at
least a silicone-controlled rectifier (SCR), a transformer, and a
plurality of switches. The plurality of power modules may include
an output connector configured to connect to the receiving
connector of a selected functional slot. The controller may be
configured to sense the functional capability associated with each
of the one or more unique functional subsystems. The controller may
be configured to sense DC bus voltage of each of the power supply
modules. The controller may be configured to sense the current in
each of the power modules. The controller may be configured to
sense the current from the electrical input. The controller may be
configured to sense the current from the electrical output. The
controller may be configured to sense the voltage from the
electrical input. The controller may be configured to sense the
temperature of the system. The controller may be configured to
control selected power modules to perform VAR injection. The
controller may be configured to control selected power modules to
perform harmonic current cancellation. The controller maybe
configured to control selected power modules to perform voltage
regulation. The controller may be configured to control selected
power modules to perform harmonic voltage cancellation. Each of the
identical power modules may include a plurality of gate drives
coupled to a plurality of switching transistors responsive to
signals from the controller. The controller may be configured to
generate control signals to each of the power modules to activate
predetermined switching transistors of the power modules. The
control signals may include pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals.
The controller may be configured to generate control signals to
control and define the one or more unique function subsystems. The
control signals may include pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals.
The selected components comprising unique subsystems may be located
on the one or more of the identical power modules.
[0009] In one aspect, a modular, scalable, multi-function, power
quality system for utility networks is featured. The system
includes a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an
electrical output. A plurality of functional slots each including a
receiving connector are coupled to the frame. A VAR injector filter
module coupled to selected functional slots including one or more
electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of
selected functional slots is configured to provide clean power to
the electrical input. A plurality of identical power modules are
disposed in selected functional slots of the VAR injector filter
module. A controller coupled to each of the power modules is
configured to enable the power modules in predetermined functional
slots of the VAR injector filter module to provide clean power to
the electrical input.
[0010] In another aspect, a modular, scalable, multi-function,
power quality system for utility networks is featured. The system
includes a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an
electrical output. A plurality of functional slots each including a
receiving connector are coupled to the frame. A power filter module
including one or more electrical components coupled to the
receiving connector of selected functional slots is configured to
provide filtered voltage to the electrical output. A plurality of
identical power modules are disposed in selected functional slots
of the power filter module. A controller coupled to each of the
power modules is configured to enable the power modules in
predetermined functional slots of the power filter module to
provide filtered voltage to the electrical output.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a modular, scalable, multi-function,
power quality system for utility networks is featured. The system
includes a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an
electrical output. A plurality of functional slots each including a
receiving connector is coupled to the frame. A VAR injector filter
module coupled to selected functional slots including one or more
electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of
selected functional slots is configured to provide clean power to
the electrical input. A power filter module coupled to selected
functional slots including one or more electrical components
coupled to the receiving connector of selected functional slots is
configured to provide filtered voltage to the electrical output. A
plurality of identical power modules are disposed in selected
functional slots of each of the VAR injector filter module and the
power filter module. A controller coupled to each of the power
modules is configured to enable the power modules in predetermined
functional slots of the VAR injector filter module and the power
filter module to provide clean power to the electrical input and
filtered voltage to the electrical output.
[0012] The subject invention, however, in other embodiments, need
not achieve all these objectives and the claims hereof should not
be limited to structures or methods capable of achieving these
objectives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred
embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the primary
components of one embodiment of the modular, scalable,
multi-function, power quality system for utility networks of this
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the
modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system shown in
FIG. 1 showing in further detail the primary components of
exemplarily unique function subsystems of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a unique
function subsystem configured as a VAR injector filter module;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a
capacitive bank which may be coupled to the VAR injector filter
module shown in FIG. 3 to provide additional capacitance for VAR
injection;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a unique
function subsystem configured as a pre-charger module;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a unique
function subsystem configured as a power regulation filter
module;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a unique
function subsystem configured as a series injector module;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing in further detail one
example of then identical power module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
and
[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic block diagrams showing the
primary components of one embodiment of the controller shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Aside from the preferred embodiment or embodiments disclosed
below, this invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or being carried out in various ways. Thus, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangements of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
If only one embodiment is described herein, the claims hereof are
not to be limited to that embodiment. Moreover, the claims hereof
are not to be read restrictively unless there is clear and
convincing evidence manifesting a certain exclusion, restriction,
or disclaimer.
[0024] There is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of modular,
scalable, multi-function, power quality system 10 for utility
networks of this invention. System 10 includes configurable frame
14 coupled to electrical input 42 and electrical output 46.
Electrical input 42 and electrical output 46 are coupled to
electrical utility grid 44. Frame 14 houses the various components
of system 10 and provides protection from the user from electrical
shock.
[0025] System 10 also includes a plurality of functional slots 16
each preferably including receiving connector 20 coupled to frame
14. The number of functional slots 16 in frame 14 is preferably
defined by the customer based on the customer's specific modularity
and functional needs. In this example, frame 14 includes eight
functional slots 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 each having a
receiving connector 20 coupled thereto.
[0026] System 10 also includes one or more unique function
subsystems coupled to selected functional slots 16. In this
example, there are two unique function subsystems 24 and 26,
although system 10 may have more or less than two functional
subsystems as defined by the customer's requirements. Each unique
function subsystem 24, 26 includes one or more electrical
components coupled to receiving connector 20 of selective
functional slots 16 configured to define the functional capability
associated with functional slots 16, as will be discussed in
further detail below.
[0027] System 10 also includes a plurality of identical power
modules 12 disposed in selected functional slots 16 of each of the
one or more unique function subsystems. Identical power modules 12
are configured to provide multiple functions depending on which
functional slot they are inserted. The number of functional slots
16 in frame 14 is defined by the customer based on the customer's
specific modularity and functional needs. Each of power modules 12
include at least connector 21 configured to connect to a selected
receiving connector 20. In this example, identical power modules
46, 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56 are connected by their respective
connector 21 to receiving connector 22 of functional slots 26, 28,
30, 32, 34, and 36 respectively of unique function subsystem
24.
[0028] Similarly, identical power modules 58 and 62 are connected
to functional slots 38 and 40 of unique function subsystem 26.
Receiving connectors 20 are mounted in frame 14 and couple the
power and control signals from power modules 12 in functional slots
16 of the one or more unique function subsystems 24 and 26 to frame
14. Receiving connectors 20 of functional slots 16 can be mounted
on a back plane or can be individual connectors mounted in frame
14. In one example, slot wiring 22 couples receiving connector 20
to unique function subsystem 24 and unique function subsystem 26 as
shown.
[0029] Controller 18 is coupled to each of power modules 12 and is
configured to enable power modules 12 in the functional slots of
the unique function subsystems to perform a predetermined function
associated with electrical input 42 or electrical output 44.
Functional slots 16 are the physical locations that provide
interface between power modules 12 and frame 14. Functional slots
16 couple the control signals from controller 18 to power modules
12 enabling power modules 12 to process the appropriate power and
function.
[0030] As will be discussed in detail below, unique function
subsystem 24, 26 include all the necessary components to provide
the unique function and personality to the appropriate functional
slots 16. Controller 18 controls the function of each of power
module 12 in a manner consistent with their functional slot.
Controller 18 is a system specific configuration that determines
what slot forms what function at the time of assembly.
[0031] Input electrical port 42 is a means of connecting system
frame 14 to electrical power grid 44. In this example, only one
input electrical port 42 is shown, however, in other designs there
may be multiple electrical ports 42.
[0032] In one example, unique function subsystem 24 includes the
necessary electrical components, such that when identical power
modules 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56 are connected into functional
slots 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 respectively, controller 18 will
cause power module 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 to perform a desired
predetermined function associated with input electrical port 42,
e.g., voltage-ampere reactive (VAR) injection.
[0033] For example, unique function subsystem 24 may be configured
as VAR injector filter module 150, FIG. 2 to provide clean power to
electrical input 42. In this design, VAR injector filter module
150, FIGS. 2 and 3, preferably include includes filter 152, FIG. 3,
comprised of inductors 154, 156, and capacitor 158.
[0034] In this example, PWM control signals output by controller
18, FIG. 2, by line 84, are input selected power modules 12, e.g.,
power module 46, as shown, as well as selected power modules 48-56,
FIG. 1, at nodes 350, 352, 353, and 354, FIG. 8, of exemplary power
module 12 in a manner to transfer bi-directional real and reactive
power between input electrical port 42, FIG. 2, and capacitor bank
sub-system 170 via power connector 370, FIG. 8. The detailed
operation of power module 12, FIG. 8, is discussed below. The
bi-directional real and reactive power flow between electrical
input port 42, FIG. 2, and power connector 370, FIG. 8, has many
harmonics that are filtered out by the VAR injector filter module
150, FIG. 2, to ensure energy coupled to electrical input port 42
is sinusoidal with suitably low harmonic content to provide clean
power to electrical input 47. Additionally, VAR injector filter
module 150 may provide input harmonic current cancellation to
electrical input 42 when controller 18 modulates the PWM control
signals to the selected power modules 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56
such that controller 18 cancels harmonic currents which may flow
between the grid 44 and load 47.
[0035] Preferably, capacitive bank subsystem 170, FIGS. 2 and 4, is
coupled to VAR injector filter module 150. Capacitive bank
subsystem 170, FIG. 4, preferably includes a plurality of
capacitors, e.g., 170, 172, 174, and 176, FIG. 4, which provide
additional capacitance needed for VAR injection.
[0036] In another example, unique function subsystem 24, FIG. 1,
may be configured as a pre-charger module 80, FIG. 2, for
pre-charging a DC bus of each of the plurality of identical power
modules, e.g., DC bus 82, of identical power modules 12 (shown in
greater detail in FIG. 8). In this example, pre-charger module 80,
FIG. 5, preferably includes contactor 86 comprised of switch 88 and
control coil 90 and contact 92 comprised of switch 94 with control
coil 96. Pre-charger module 80 also includes resistor 93.
Pre-charger module 80, FIGS. 2 and 5, receives control signals,
e.g., coil drive signals, from controller 18 by line 84, which are
input at nodes 100, 102, 104, and 106, FIG. 5, to control
contactors 86 and 92. Contactor 86 opens or closes switch 88 and
contractor 92 opens or closes switch 94. In operation, when
switches 88 and 94 are open, pre-charger module 80 provides power
isolation. When switch 94 is closed and switch 88 is open,
pre-charger module 80 pre-charges DC buses 80, FIG. 2, of identical
power modules 12. Nodes 108 and 110, FIG. 5, are coupled to
electrical input 42, FIG. 2, which is coupled to electrical utility
grid 44, FIG. 1. When switches 88 and 94, FIG. 5, are closed,
bi-directional power flow can be enabled between DC buses 80, FIG.
2, of identical power modules 12 and electrical input 42 without
pre-charge resistor 93, FIG. 5, consuming losses.
[0037] Unique function circuit subsystem 26, FIG. 1, is similar to
unique function circuit subsystem 24 but include different
components such that when identical power modules 58, 60 are
connected into functional slots 38 and 40, controller 18 will cause
power modules 38, 40 to perform a different desired predetermined
function associated with output electrical port 46 connected to
electrical load 47, e.g., power regulation.
[0038] For example, unique function subsystem 26, FIGS. 1 and 2,
may be configured as power regulation filter module 198. In one
design, power regulation filter module 198,
[0039] FIGS. 2 and 6, include filter 200, FIG. 6, having inductor
202 and capacitor 204. In this example, the PWM control signals
output by controller 18, FIG. 2, by line 84, are input selected
power modules 12, e.g., to power module 58, as shown, as well as
power module 60, FIG. 1 at nodes 350, 352, 353, and 354, FIG. 8, of
exemplary power module 12 in a similar manner discussed above to
transfer bi-directional real and reactive power capacitor bank
sub-system 170 and electrical output port 46 via power connector
370, FIG. 8. The bi-directional real and reactive power flow
between electrical output port 46, FIG. 2 and power connector 370,
FIG. 8 has many harmonics that are filtered out by the power
regulation filter module 198, FIGS. 2 and 6, to ensure energy
coupled to electrical output port 46 is sinusoidal with suitably
low harmonic content to provide filtered voltage to electrical
output 46. The un-filtered bi-directional real and reactive power
flow are input at nodes 206 and 208, FIG. 6, and the filtered power
provided by filter 200 of power regulation filter module 198 is
output at nodes 210, 212, which are coupled to electrical output
46, FIG. 2, by line 214. Additionally, power regulation filter
module 198 may provide output voltage harmonic cancellation to
electrical output 46 when controller 18 modulates the PWM signals
to power modules 58, 60 in a manner to cancel harmonic voltage
distortion that may be present on the grid 44 from being presented
to the load 47.
[0040] Unique function subsystem 26, FIGS. 1 and 2, for power
regulation system may also include series injector module 250, FIG.
2, configured to inject regulator voltage to electrical output 46
to provide power regulation and provide by-pass protection during
an overload or failure of system 10. FIG. 7 shows a more detailed
view of series injector module 250. In this example, control
signals from controller 18, FIG. 2, by lines 84, are input at nodes
254, 256, 258, 260, and 262, FIG. 7. Current signals are output at
nodes 262, 264, 266, and 268 by series injector 250 connected to
lines 84, FIG. 2, and sensed by controller 18. Series injector
module 250 preferably includes silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)
270 and transformer 272 which provides series voltage injection
which is output at nodes 280, 282 to electrical output 46 as shown
in FIG. 2. The input voltage from electrical input 42 is input at
nodes 284, 286, FIGS. 2 and 7. The determined regulated voltage
output by power regulation filter module 198, FIG. 2 of unique
function subsystem 26 is input at nodes 300, 302.
[0041] Preferably, each of the identical power modules 12, FIGS. 1
and 2, includes a plurality of gate drives coupled to a plurality
of switching transistors responsive to PWM control signals from the
controller. For example, FIG. 8 shows in further detail one example
of a single power module 12 which is identical to all the power
modules in the system, e.g., power modules 46-60, FIG. 1. In this
example, power module 12 includes gate drives 362, 364, 366, and
368, coupled to switching transistors 370, 372, 374, and 376,
respectively. Preferably, switching transistors 370, 372, 374, and
376 are insulated gate bi-polar transistors (IGBT) or similar type
switching transistors. In the example shown in FIG. 2, power
modules 12 receive PWM signals from controller 18 by line 84. The
PWM control signals on line 84 are input to power module 12, FIG.
8, at nodes 350, 352, 354 and 356. Output signals generated by
power module 12 are output at nodes 358, 360 are input to and
sensed by controller 18, FIG. 2, by line 84 as shown. Power port
372, FIGS. 2 and 8, may be coupled to other identical power modules
by line 373, FIG. 2, as shown. Power port 370, FIGS. 2 and 8 of
power module 12 may be coupled to VAR injector module 150 by line
379 as shown. Power port 370, FIGS. 2 and 8 of a different power
module 12 may be coupled to power regulation filter module 198 by
line 381 as shown. Power module 12 is typically coupled to 200 to
400 VDC, indicated at 402. Controller 18, FIGS. 1 and 2, is
preferably configured to sense the functional capability associated
with each of the unique functional subsystems. As discussed above,
controller 18, FIG. 1, is configured to generate PWM signals to
each of the power modules to activate one or more of gate drives
362, 364, 366, and 368, FIG. 8, to turn on or off switching
transistors 370, 372, 374, and 376 to define the functional
capability of the functional slots of the unique function
subsystems as discussed above.
[0042] FIGS. 9A and 9B shows one example of controller 18. In this
example, controller 18 includes analog conditioning circuit 400
responsive to inputs 402. Analog conditioning circuit 400 provides
input to ADC and multiplexor 404. Controller 18 also preferably
includes microprocessor 408, e.g., a DSP chip or similar type chip,
and PWM logic circuit 412. PWM logic circuit 412 provides the PWM
signals discussed above to the various power modules, in this
example, indicated by power card 1, power card 2, power card 3,
power card 4, power card 5, power card 6, power card 7, and power
card 8, corresponding to the plurality of power modules 46-60, FIG.
1. The PWM output signals are output, by line driver interface 414
by line 416 which is output at node 418 to power modules 12, e.g.,
via nodes 350-356 discussed above with reference FIG. 8. Controller
18 also preferably includes digital input/output (I/O) buffer
driver 450 which provides I/O signals by line 452 which is coupled
to line 454 and output at, node 456. These I/O signals connect to
at least nodes 102-108, FIG. 5, of pie-charger 80. Node 470, FIG.
10, of controller 18, receives input from various unique function
subsystems discussed above with reference to one or more of FIGS.
1-9B. Thus, controller 18, FIGS. 1, 2, and 9A/9B is configured to
sense the functional capability associated with each of the unique
functional subsystems. Preferably, as shown at inputs 402, FIG. 9A,
controller 18 may sense DC bus voltage of each of the power supply
modules 12, FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the current in each of the power
modules 12, the current and/or voltage from the electrical input 42
and electrical output 46 and/or the temperature of system 10.
[0043] The result is modular, scalable, multi-function, power
quality system 10 for utility networks shown in one or more of
FIGS. 1-9B provides a modular and scalable power conditioning
system from identical modules which are connected to a configurable
frame with function-specific slots. This enables a customer, such
as an electrical utility grid network with multiple power
conditioning needs, to purchase a plurality of identical power
modules and a single system frame with multiple function-specific
slots to create independent scaling of power and functionality.
[0044] One or more embodiments of the modular, scalable,
multi-function, power quality system for utility networks of this
invention provides a modular and scalable power conditioning system
that includes a plurality of identical power modules that are
connected to a configurable frame having predetermined
function-specific slots that define a predetermined function. A
controller controls the function of the power modules in their
function-specific slots such that they perform a desired predefined
function. Such a design enables a customer, e.g., an electrical
utility grid with multiple power conditioning needs, to purchase a
plurality of identical power modules and a single system frame
containing multiple function-specific slots. Such a design provides
for independent scaling of power and functionality. The customer
need only to estimate future power and functional needs and
purchase a system with the appropriate number of pre-configured
slots and a minimal set of identical power modules and populate the
power modules in the appropriate functional slot. If greater
function or power capability is needed, more power modules can be
added.
[0045] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as
each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features
in accordance with the invention. The words "including",
"comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be
interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any
physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed in
the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible
embodiments.
[0046] In addition, any amendment presented during the prosecution
of the patent application for this patent is not a disclaimer of
any claim element presented in the application as filed: those
skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim
that would literally encompass all possible equivalents, many
equivalents will be unforeseeable at the time of the amendment and
are beyond a fair interpretation of what is to be surrendered (if
anything), the rationale underlying the amendment may bear no more
than a tangential relation to many equivalents, and/or there are
many other reasons the applicant cannot be expected to describe
certain insubstantial substitutes for any claim element
amended.
[0047] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and
are within the following claims.
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