U.S. patent application number 16/366118 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for feeder line fault response using direct current interconnection system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ABB Schweiz AG. Invention is credited to Bertil Berggren, Frans Dijkhuizen, Ritwik Majumder, Jiuping Pan, David Schaeffer, Xiaobo Yang, Chunming Yuan.
Application Number | 20200343727 16/366118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005147459 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200343727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pan; Jiuping ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
FEEDER LINE FAULT RESPONSE USING DIRECT CURRENT INTERCONNECTION
SYSTEM
Abstract
Systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of feeder line
fault response are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a method
for operating an alternating current (AC) distribution network
including a first feeder line, a second feeder line, and a third
feeder line. The method includes isolating a faulted portion of the
first feeder line from a healthy portion of the first feeder line;
closing a tie switch coupled between the healthy portion and the
second feeder line in response to isolating the faulted portion
from the healthy portion; determining the second feeder line is
experiencing an overload condition after closing the tie switch;
and transferring AC power including transferring AC power using a
direct current (DC) interconnection system coupled to the third
feeder line effective to remove the overload condition from the
second feeder line.
Inventors: |
Pan; Jiuping; (Raleigh,
NC) ; Yuan; Chunming; (Beijing, CN) ; Yang;
Xiaobo; (Beijing, CN) ; Majumder; Ritwik;
(Vasteras, SE) ; Berggren; Bertil; (Vasteras,
SE) ; Dijkhuizen; Frans; (Vasteras, SE) ;
Schaeffer; David; (Vasteras, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABB Schweiz AG |
Baden |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005147459 |
Appl. No.: |
16/366118 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/36 20130101; H02J
9/061 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 3/36 20060101
H02J003/36; H02J 9/06 20060101 H02J009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 27, 2019 |
CN |
201910235060.4 |
Claims
1. A method for operating an alternating current (AC) distribution
network including a first feeder line, a second feeder line, and a
third feeder line, the method comprising: isolating a faulted
portion of the first feeder line from a healthy portion of the
first feeder line; closing a tie switch coupled between the healthy
portion and the second feeder line in response to isolating the
faulted portion from the healthy portion; determining the second
feeder line is experiencing an overload condition after closing the
tie switch; and transferring AC power from the third feeder line
using a DC interconnection system coupled to the third feeder line
effective to reduce a magnitude of the overload condition of the
second feeder line.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the tie switch is coupled in
parallel with a second DC interconnection system including two
AC/DC power converters structured to control reactive power between
the healthy portion and the second feeder line while the tie switch
is closed.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the healthy portion is coupled to
a plurality of tie switching devices, and wherein closing the tie
switch includes selecting the tie switch using a calculated
headroom value for the second feeder line.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the second feeder line
is experiencing the overload condition includes determining a rated
current of at least one line segment of the second feeder line is
exceeded by a current flowing through the at least one line
segment, and wherein transferring AC power includes receiving the
AC power with the first feeder line effective to reduce the current
flowing through the at least one line segment to a current
magnitude less than the rated current.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein transferring AC power includes
determining a set point for the DC interconnection system using a
plurality of headroom values each corresponding to points on at
least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein transferring AC power includes
determining a set point for the DC interconnection system using a
voltage profile each corresponding to voltages at points on at
least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein transferring AC power to the first
feeder line includes transferring AC power from a second DC
interconnection system to the healthy portion, wherein operation of
the first DC interconnection system and the second DC
interconnection system are coordinated so as to remove the overload
condition from the second feeder line and prevent another overload
condition from occurring within third feeder line.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the AC distribution network
includes a tap changer, wherein transferring AC power to the first
feeder line includes determining a coordinated solution for the tap
changer and the DC interconnection system effective to eliminate
the overload condition on the second feeder line, and generating
control signals for the tap changer and DC interconnection system
using the coordinated solution.
9. An alternating current (AC) distribution network comprising: a
first feeder line; a second feeder line; a third feeder line; a tie
switch coupled between the first feeder line and the second feeder
line; a DC interconnection system coupled to the third feeder line;
and a control system structured to isolate a faulted portion of the
first feeder line from a healthy portion of the first feeder line,
close the tie switch in response to isolating the faulted portion
from the healthy portion, detect an overload condition on a segment
of the second feeder line; and transfer AC power from the third
feeder line using the DC interconnection system effective to reduce
a magnitude of the overload condition of the segment of the second
feeder line.
10. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein the tie switch
is coupled in parallel with a second DC interconnection system
structured to control reactive power between the healthy portion
and the first feeder line while the tie switch is closed.
11. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein the healthy
portion is coupled to a plurality of tie switching devices, and
wherein closing the tie switch includes selecting the tie switch
using a calculated headroom value for the second feeder line or a
circuit breaker status.
12. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein detecting the
overload condition includes determining a rated current of the
segment of the second feeder line is exceeded by a current flowing
through the segment, and wherein transferring AC power includes
receiving the AC power with the first feeder line effective to
reduce the current flowing through the segment to a current
magnitude less than the rated current.
13. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein transferring AC
power includes determining a set point for the DC interconnection
system using a plurality of headroom values each corresponding to
points on at least one of the first feeder line and second feeder
line.
14. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein transferring AC
power includes determining a set point for the DC interconnection
system using a voltage profile each corresponding to voltages at
points on at least one of the first feeder line and second feeder
line.
15. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein transferring AC
power to the first feeder line includes transferring AC power from
a second DC interconnection system to the healthy portion, wherein
operation of the first DC interconnection system and the second DC
interconnection system are coordinated so as to remove the overload
condition from the second feeder line and prevent another overload
condition from occurring within the third feeder line.
16. The AC distribution network of claim 9 wherein the AC
distribution network includes a tap changer, wherein transferring
AC power to the first feeder line includes determining a
coordinated solution for the tap changer and the DC interconnection
system effective to eliminate the overload condition on the second
feeder line, and generating control signals for the tap changer and
DC interconnection system using the coordinated solution.
17. A control system for an alternating current (AC) distribution
network comprising: a processing device; a computer readable
non-transitory medium including a set of instructions executable by
the processing device effective to: operate a tie switch coupled
between a first feeder line and a second feeder line of the AC
distribution network; operate a DC interconnection system coupled
to a third feeder line; isolate a faulted portion of the first
feeder line from a healthy portion of the second feeder line; close
the tie switch in response to isolating the faulted portion from
the healthy portion; determine the second feeder line is
experiencing an overload condition after closing the tie switch;
and transfer AC power to the first feeder line including
transferring AC power from the third feeder line using a DC
interconnection system effective to reduce a magnitude of the
overload condition from the second feeder line.
18. The control system of claim 17 wherein the tie switch is
coupled in parallel with a second DC interconnection system
structured to control reactive power between the healthy portion
and the first feeder line while the tie switch is closed.
19. The control system of claim 17 wherein the healthy portion is
coupled to a plurality of tie switching devices, and wherein
closing the tie switch includes selecting the tie switch using a
calculated headroom value for the second feeder line or a circuit
breaker status.
20. The control system of claim 17 wherein detecting the overload
condition includes determining a rated current of a segment of the
second feeder line is exceeded by a current flowing through the
segment, and wherein transferring AC power includes receiving the
AC power with the first feeder line effective to reduce the current
flowing through the segment to a current magnitude less than the
rated current.
21. The control system of claim 17 wherein transferring AC power
includes determining a set point for the DC interconnection system
using a plurality of headroom values each corresponding to points
on at least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line, or
wherein transferring AC power includes determining a set point for
the DC interconnection system using a voltage profile each
corresponding to voltages at points on at least one of the first
feeder line and second feeder line.
22. The control system of claim 17 wherein transferring AC power to
the first feeder line includes transferring AC power from a second
DC interconnection system to the healthy portion, wherein operation
of the first DC interconnection system and the second DC
interconnection system are coordinated so as to remove the overload
condition from the second feeder line and prevent another overload
condition from occurring within the third feeder line.
23. The control system of claim 17 wherein the AC distribution
network includes a tap changer, wherein transferring AC power to
the first feeder line includes determining a coordinated solution
for the tap changer and the DC interconnection system effective to
eliminate the overload condition on the second feeder line, and
generating control signals for the tap changer and DC
interconnection system using the coordinated solution.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medium voltage
alternating current (MVAC) distribution networks. Isolating a fault
in a feeder line of an MVAC distribution network may cause a
healthy portion of a feeder line to be disconnected from all power
sources. Network control systems may be able to reconnect the
healthy portion to another feeder line using controllable switches
such as tie switching devices coupled to the end of each feeder
line. Existing MVAC distribution networks suffer from a number of
shortcomings and disadvantages. There remain unmet needs including
increasing reconfigurability following feeder line fault response,
preventing subsequent overloads after network reconfigurations, and
reducing network downtime for healthy feeder line portions. For
instance, conventional distribution networks do not receive power
from multiple connected feeder lines after a fault response,
risking an overload in a single newly connected feeder line and
reducing power transfer ability. In view of these and other
shortcomings in the art, there is a significant need for the unique
apparatuses, methods, systems and techniques disclosed herein.
DISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0002] For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly
describing non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the disclosure,
the manner and process of making and using the same, and to enable
the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be
made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated
in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the
same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the
scope of the present disclosure is thereby created, and that the
present disclosure includes and protects such alterations,
modifications, and further applications of the exemplary
embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art with the
benefit of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure include unique
systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses for feeder line fault
response in a medium voltage distribution network. Further
embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects and
benefits of the disclosure shall become apparent from the following
description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary medium voltage distribution
network.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary feeder line
fault response process.
[0006] FIG. 3 is an exemplary medium voltage distribution network
including a centralized control system.
[0007] FIG. 4 is an exemplary medium voltage distribution network
including an interconnected DC interconnection system network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0008] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary
medium voltage alternating current (MVAC) distribution network 100
structured to receive high voltage alternating current (HVAC) power
from a power transmission network line 101 and provide MVAC power
through feeder lines to medium voltage loads or medium voltage/low
voltage (MV/LV) substations coupled to the feeder lines. It shall
be appreciated that, for certain applications, medium voltage
refers to a voltage greater than or equal to 1 kV and less than 100
kV, and low voltage refers to a voltage less than 1 kV. For certain
other applications, medium voltage refers to a voltage greater than
or equal to 1 kV and less than or equal to 72 kV, and low voltage
refers to a voltage less than 1 kV. It shall also be appreciated
that the topology of network 100 is illustrated for the purpose of
explanation and is not intended as a limitation of the present
disclosure. Although network 100 is illustrated with a single line
diagram, network 100 may be structured to transmit single-phase or
multiphase power.
[0009] Network 100 includes high voltage/medium voltage (HV/MV)
substations 180 and 190 coupled to a high voltage transmission
network including line 101. Substation 180 includes a step down
transformer 183 coupled to line 101, an MV bus 182 coupled to
transformer 183, and switching devices 185 and 187 coupled to bus
182. Step down transformer 183 is structured to receive HVAC power
from line 101, step down the high voltage of the HVAC power to
medium voltage, and output MVAC power to MV bus 182. Switching
devices 185 and 187 are structured to selectively open so as to
isolate feeder lines 110 and 120, respectively, from MV bus 182.
For example, switching devices 185 and 187 may be structured to
open in response to detecting a fault in a corresponding feeder
line. It shall be appreciated that the switching devices of network
100, including switching devices 185 and 187, may include a circuit
breaker, a disconnector switch, or any other type of switching
device structured to interrupt or prevent the flow of current in an
MVAC distribution network.
[0010] Substation 180 includes an HV/MV substation controller 181
structured to communicate with wide area controllers, such as a
supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system or system
operator; controllable devices within network 100 including
switching devices 185 and 187, or tie switching devices 151 and
161; a plurality of measuring devices 105 within network 100; and
direct current (DC) interconnection systems 153 and 163. Substation
controller 181 is structured to operate the controllable devices of
network 100, such as switching devices or DC interconnection
systems, in response to receiving instructions or information from
a wide area controller, receiving instructions or information from
DC interconnection systems of network 100, or in response to
detecting a fault within network 100, to name but a few examples.
It shall be appreciated that any or all of the foregoing features
of substation 180 may also be present in the other HV/MV
substations disclosed herein.
[0011] Substation 190 includes a step down transformer 193 coupled
to line 101, an MV bus 192 coupled to transformer 193, and
switching devices 195 and 197 coupled to bus 192. Step down
transformer 193 is structured to receive HVAC power from line 101,
step down the high voltage of the HVAC power to medium voltage, and
output MVAC power to MV bus 192. Substation 190 also includes an
HV/MV substation controller 191 structured to communicate with DC
interconnection systems 163 and 173 and tie switching devices 161
and 171.
[0012] Network 100 includes feeder lines 110 and 120 coupled to
substation 180. Feeder line 110 includes a first end coupled to
switching device 185 and a second end coupled to a line end
interconnection system 150. Feeder line 110 includes line segments
111-115 coupled together at connection points 116 by way of
switching devices such as switching device 117. The connection
points of network 100 may include a medium voltage/low voltage
(MV/LV) substation, power generation sources, or a medium voltage
load, to name but a few examples. Feeder line 120 includes a first
end coupled to switching device 187 and a second end coupled to a
feeder line end interconnection system 150. Feeder line 120
includes line segments 121-123 coupled together at connection
points 126 by way of switching devices.
[0013] Network 100 includes feeder lines 130 and 140 coupled to
substation 190. Feeder line 130 includes a first end coupled to
switching device 195 and a second end coupled to an interconnection
system 170. Feeder line 130 includes line segments 131-135 coupled
together at connection points 136 by way of switching devices.
Feeder line 140 includes a first end coupled to switching device
197 and a second end coupled to a line end interconnection system
170. Feeder line 140 includes line segments 141-143 coupled
together at connection points 146 by way of switching devices. A
line end interconnection system 160 is coupled between feeder lines
120 and 130 by way of line segments 103 and 104.
[0014] Each line segment of network 100 has a rated power capacity,
a rated voltage capacity, and a rated current capacity. Line
segments of the same feeder line may have different rated
capacities. The difference between a rated current capacity and the
amount of current flowing through a line segment is called
headroom. In other embodiments, headroom may be related to the
rated power capacity or the rated voltage capacity of a line
segment.
[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of measuring
devices 105 are structured to measure electrical characteristics of
each line segment. Electrical characteristics include voltage,
current, and power, to name but a few examples. In other
embodiments, the plurality of measuring devices 105 may only be
structured to measure electrical characteristics of the top segment
of each feeder line (i.e. segments 111, 121, 131, and 141). The
measuring devices of feeder lines 110 and 120 transmit measurement
data to substation controller 181, and the measuring devices of
feeder lines 130 and 140 transmit measurement data to substation
controller 191. In certain embodiments, the plurality of measuring
devices 105 are structured to transmit measurement data to a
centralized controller structured to operate controllable devices
of all feeder lines of network 100 according to a coordinated
control solution.
[0016] Each interconnection system of network 100 includes a DC
interconnection system, also known as an AC/AC power converter, as
well as a tie switching device coupled in parallel. The tie
switching devices are normally opened such that network 100 is
arranged in a radial configuration, as opposed to a meshed
configuration. The radial configuration of network 100 generally
allows current to flow in one direction from the substation to the
end of each feeder line. During normal, i.e. non-faulted,
operation, each DC interconnection system may be controlled so as
to balance headroom and minimize losses on the feeder lines of the
network, thereby reducing power losses and thermal stresses. Line
end interconnection system 150 includes DC interconnection system
153 and tie switching device 151. Line end interconnection system
160 includes DC interconnection system 163 and tie switching device
161. Line end interconnection system 170 includes DC
interconnection system 173 and tie switching device 171. In certain
embodiments, one or more interconnection systems includes a DC
interconnection system, but does not include a tie switching
device. In certain embodiments, one or more interconnection systems
include a tie switching device, but no DC interconnection
system.
[0017] Each DC interconnection system includes two bidirectional
AC/DC power converters structured to convert AC power into DC power
and convert DC power into AC power. For example, DC interconnection
system 153 includes AC/DC power converters 155 and 157 coupled by a
DC link 159. AC/DC power converter 155 is structured to receive AC
power from line segment 115 and convert the AC power into DC power.
Converter 155 is also structured to receive DC power from AC/DC
power converter 157, convert the DC power into AC power, and output
the AC power to line segment 115. AC/DC power converter 157 is
structured to receive AC power from line segment 123 and convert
the AC power into DC power. Converter 157 is also structured to
receive DC power from AC/DC power converter 155, convert the DC
power into AC power, and output the AC power to line segment 123.
In certain embodiments, each AC/DC power converter includes a
voltage source converter. In certain embodiments, one voltage
source converter is operated to control active power while the
other voltage source converter is operated to control DC bus
voltage. In certain embodiments, each AC/DC power converter
operates to control reactive power or AC voltage. In other
embodiments, one or more DC interconnection systems include another
bidirectional AC/AC topology, such as a power electronic
transformer, to name but one example. It shall be appreciated that
any or all of the foregoing features of network 100 may also be
present in the other MVAC distribution networks disclosed
herein.
[0018] With reference to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an exemplary
process 200 for responding to a feeder line fault in a medium
voltage distribution network. Process 200 is implemented by a
network control system including at least one computer readable
non-transitory medium and a processing device, which may include a
centralized controller, a substation controller, a DC
interconnection system controller, or a combination thereof. It
shall be further appreciated that a number of variations and
modifications to process 200 are contemplated including, for
example, the omission of one or more aspects of process 200, the
addition of further conditionals and operations, and/or the
reorganization or separation of operations and conditionals into
separate processes.
[0019] Process 200 begins at operation 201 where the network
control system detects a feeder line fault in one of the line
segments of the medium voltage distribution network. The feeder
line fault may be detected by an intelligent electronic device of a
substation circuit breaker, a relay, or another type of device in
communication with the network control system.
[0020] Process 200 proceeds to operation 203 where the fault is
located and isolated by opening one or more switching devices. For
example, a substation circuit breaker may first isolate the entire
feeder line where a fault is occurring. Using isolation devices
coupled between line segments of the feeder line, the network
control system may isolate the faulted portion of the feeder line
from the healthy portion or portions of the feeder line.
[0021] Process 200 proceeds to operation 205 where the network
control system selects a tie switch to close in order to reconnect
a healthy portion of a segmented feeder line to another feeder line
receiving power from a power source. For a healthy portion coupled
to more than one tie switch, a network control system selects only
one of the tie switching devices to close. Closing more than one
tie switch would interconnect multiple feeder lines in an
uncontrolled manner, making it impossible to control feeder line
loading without additional control and protection systems.
[0022] The network control system may select the tie switch to
close based on circuit breaker statuses and the headroom of
adjacent feeder lines. The network control system may also select
the tie switch to close using voltages and power flow measured at
the DC interconnection systems. In certain embodiments, the tie
switch is selected based on the headroom of the adjacent feeder
lines and a required voltage profile of the feeder line receiving
power.
[0023] Process 200 proceeds to operation 207 where the selected tie
switch is closed, coupling the healthy portion of the feeder line
to the other feeder line. The effect of the coupling is an
increased power flow through the coupled feeder line equal to the
nominal power flow for the feeder line plus additional power flow
for the healthy portion.
[0024] Where the tie switch is coupled in parallel with a DC
interconnection system in operation, the active power set point for
the DC interconnection system is reduced to zero to avoid
circulating power, and the reactive power set point or AC voltage
set point for the DC interconnection system is set in order to
coordinate the reactive power control of AC voltage of both feeder
lines coupled to the DC interconnection system. The AC/DC power
converters of the DC interconnection system operate as a static
compensator coupled in parallel.
[0025] Process 200 proceeds to operation 209 where all loads and
low voltage distribution networks coupled to healthy portions of
the segmented feeder line receive power through the selected tie
switch shortly after the fault is isolated. Operation 209 is
preferable to partial service restoration, where some loads are
restored, but some loads remain disconnected while the faulted
cable segment is repaired due to the significant downtime for some
loads. Without further action, operation 209 may cause further
faults in the distribution network; however, thermal time constants
for the line segments are long enough for the following operations
211, 213, 215 to be performed before the overloaded cable
experiences a fault.
[0026] Process 200 proceeds to operation 211 where the network
control system determines at least one of the feeder line segments
is overloaded as a result of operation 207. For distribution
networks where each feeder line segment of a feeder line has the
same cross section, and thereby has the same current capacity, the
network control system determines the top segments of the feeder
line are being overloaded. For feeder lines with line segments of
different cross sections, operation 211 may determine multiple line
segments are overloaded.
[0027] Process 200 proceeds to operation 213 where the network
control system determines operating set points for at least one DC
interconnection system using electrical characteristic data
available to the network control system. Operating set points may
include active power set points, reactive power set points, or AC
voltage set points, to name but a few examples. The operating set
points are determined so as to extract a controllable amount of
power from an adjacent feeder and inject the power into the feeder
line with the overload. The amount of the injected power is
sufficient to reduce power flow through the overloaded segment in
order to eliminate the overload. The operating set points are
determined using electrical characteristics of the distribution
network, such as voltage and current measurements from one or more
feeder lines, and switching devices statuses, to name but a few
examples.
[0028] In certain embodiments, the active power set points are
determined using measurements received before the fault condition.
For example, the amount of power flowing through a faulted segment
before the fault may be used to determine the active power set
point. In certain embodiments, the active power set points are
determined using pre-fault and post-fault measurements. Where the
distribution network includes measuring devices corresponding to
line segments of a feeder line, the set points may be determined so
as to maintain a voltage profile throughout the feeder line and
reduce line losses. A voltage profile is a set of acceptable
voltage ranges at different points on a feeder line. Reactive power
set points or AC voltage set points may be set to minimize losses
while conforming to current ratings and the voltage ranges of the
voltage profile.
[0029] In certain embodiments, the network control system uses
received measurements to determine the headroom of each available
feeder line. The calculated headroom values and circuit breaker
statuses are then used to determine the operating set points of the
DC interconnection systems. In certain embodiments, the network
control system determines operating points, also known as tap
changer positions, of on load tap changers of the distribution
network, in order to coordinate with the DC interconnection system
operation, effective to minimize power losses in the distribution
network. In certain embodiments, network control system coordinates
DC interconnection system set points with control of other power
devices, such as tap changers and breaker connected shunt
capacitors using optimal power flow calculations or rule-based
algorithms, to name but a few examples.
[0030] Process 200 proceeds to operation 215 where the at least one
DC interconnection system is controlled so as to transfer power to
the healthy portion of the segmented feeder line. The power
transferred by the at least one DC interconnection system
eliminates the overload in the overloaded segment, preventing a
subsequent fault from occurring. The amount of power transferred
from the DC interconnection system is structured so as to not cause
a future overload in the network as a result of the power transfer.
Where multiple DC interconnection systems transfer power in order
to eliminate the overload condition, each DC interconnection system
provides power effective to at least reduce a magnitude of the
overload condition.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an exemplary
medium voltage distribution network 300 including substations 302
and 304 coupled to high voltage transmission line 301. Substation
302 includes an on load tap changer 303 and substation 304 includes
an on load tap changer 305. Feeder lines 310 and 320 are coupled to
substation 302 and structured to receive MVAC power from substation
302. Feeder lines 330 and 340 are coupled to substation 304 and
structured to receive MVAC power from substation 304. Network 300
includes a DC interconnection system 371 coupled between feeder
lines 310 and 320, a DC interconnection system 373 coupled between
feeder lines 320 and 330, and a DC interconnection system 375
coupled between feeder lines 330 and 340. A plurality of sensing
devices 350 are structured to measure electrical characteristics of
each line segment of network 300. A plurality of communication
channels 380 are structured to transmit measurements from the
plurality of sensing device 350 to centralized controller 360,
generate a coordinated control strategy, and transmit control
signals from controller 360 to the controllable device of network
300 including tap changers 303 and 305, and DC interconnection
systems 371, 373, and 375.
[0032] Centralized controller 360 is structured to receive a set of
measurements from the plurality of sensing devices 350. The
measurements may include multiple current measurements for
different points on each feeder line, multiple voltage measurements
for different points on each feeder line, and circuit breaker
statuses for each substation. The voltage measurements and current
measurements may be generated by sensing devices located at load
points and substation transformers, to give but a few examples.
[0033] Once centralized controller 360 receives the set of
measurements, controller 360 determines a coordinated control
solution for DC interconnection systems 371, 373, and 375, as well
as tap changers 303 and 305. Using the set of measurements,
controller 360 determines a plurality of possible solutions
including possible control signals and an estimated cost of
operating network 300. Some solutions may be eliminated due to
network conditions identified using the set of measurements, such
as isolated segments due to a fault. In certain embodiments, the
solutions are determined in parallel. Using the plurality of
possible solutions, controller 360 selects one of the solutions
effective to minimize operational costs of network 300. Costs
considered by controller 360 when selecting a solution include
power losses, tap changer life, feeder line life, reliability loss,
and power quality loss, to name but a few examples.
[0034] Once centralized controller 360 determines the control
strategy with the lowest cost, controller 360 generates a plurality
of control signals, one control signal for each controllable device
of network 300, including the tap changers and DC interconnection
systems. The control signals to the tap changers include tap
position commands and the control signals to the DC interconnection
systems include active power set points and reactive power set
points. The control signals are transmitted to the controllable
devices via communication channels 380.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an exemplary
medium voltage distribution network 400 including substations 410,
420, and 430 coupled to high voltage transmission line 401.
Substation 410 includes substation controller 411, step down
transformer 413, medium voltage bus 412, switching device 415, and
switching device 417. Substation 420 includes substation controller
421, step down transformer 423, medium voltage bus 422, switching
device 425, and switching device 427. Substation 430 includes
substation controller 431 and step down transformer 433.
[0036] Network 400 includes feeder lines 440, 450, 460, and 470
coupled to one of the substations of network 400. A first end of
feeder line 440 and a first end of feeder line 450 are coupled to
substation 410. A first end of feeder line 460 and a first end of
feeder line 470 are coupled to substation 420. A second end of
feeder line 440 is coupled to a second end of feeder line 450 by
way of a switching device 403 and an AC/AC power converter 481. A
second end of feeder line 460 is coupled to a second end of feeder
line 470 by way of a switching device 407 and AC/AC power converter
485. Feeder line 450 is coupled to feeder line 460 by way of a
switching device 405 and an AC/AC power converter 483.
[0037] Network 400 includes an interconnected DC interconnection
system 480 including AC/AC power converters 481, 483, and 485, and
AC/DC power converter 487 coupled together by a DC distribution
system 488. Converter 481 includes a DC bus 482 coupled to system
488. Converter 483 includes a DC bus 484 coupled to system 488.
Converter 485 includes a DC bus 486 coupled to system 488. AC/DC
power converter 487 is structured to receive MVAC power from
substation 430, convert the received MVAC power into DC power, and
output the DC power to system 488. In certain embodiments, AC/DC
power converter 487 is structured to receive DC power from system
488, convert the DC power into MVAC power, and output the MVAC
power to substation 430.
[0038] Further written description of a number of exemplary
embodiments shall now be provided. One embodiment is a method for
operating an alternating current (AC) distribution network
including a first feeder line, a second feeder line, and a third
feeder line, the method comprising: isolating a faulted portion of
the first feeder line from a healthy portion of the first feeder
line; closing a tie switch coupled between the healthy portion and
the second feeder line in response to isolating the faulted portion
from the healthy portion; determining the second feeder line is
experiencing an overload condition after closing the tie switch;
and transferring AC power from the third feeder line using a DC
interconnection system coupled to the third feeder line effective
to reduce a magnitude of the overload condition of the second
feeder line.
[0039] In certain forms of the foregoing method, the tie switch is
coupled in parallel with a second DC interconnection system
including two AC/DC power converters structured to control reactive
power between the healthy portion and the second feeder line while
the tie switch is closed. In certain forms, the healthy portion is
coupled to a plurality of tie switching devices, and wherein
closing the tie switch includes selecting the tie switch using a
calculated headroom value for the second feeder line. In certain
forms, determining the second feeder line is experiencing the
overload condition includes determining a rated current of at least
one line segment of the second feeder line is exceeded by a current
flowing through the at least one line segment, and wherein
transferring AC power includes receiving the AC power with the
first feeder line effective to reduce the current flowing through
the at least one line segment to a current magnitude less than the
rated current. In certain forms, transferring AC power includes
determining a set point for the DC interconnection system using a
plurality of headroom values each corresponding to points on at
least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line. In
certain forms, transferring AC power includes determining a set
point for the DC interconnection system using a voltage profile
each corresponding to voltages at points on at least one of the
first feeder line and second feeder line. In certain forms,
transferring AC power to the first feeder line includes
transferring AC power from a second DC interconnection system to
the healthy portion, wherein operation of the first DC
interconnection system and the second DC interconnection system are
coordinated so as to remove the overload condition from the second
feeder line and prevent another overload condition from occurring
within third feeder line. In certain forms, the AC distribution
network includes a tap changer, wherein transferring AC power to
the first feeder line includes determining a coordinated solution
for the tap changer and the DC interconnection system effective to
eliminate the overload condition on the second feeder line, and
generating control signals for the tap changer and DC
interconnection system using the coordinated solution.
[0040] Another exemplary embodiment is an alternating current (AC)
distribution network comprising: a first feeder line; a second
feeder line; a third feeder line; a tie switch coupled between the
first feeder line and the second feeder line; a DC interconnection
system coupled to the third feeder line; and a control system
structured to isolate a faulted portion of the first feeder line
from a healthy portion of the first feeder line, close the tie
switch in response to isolating the faulted portion from the
healthy portion, detect an overload condition on a segment of the
second feeder line; and transfer AC power from the third feeder
line using the DC interconnection system effective to reduce a
magnitude of the overload condition of the segment of the second
feeder line.
[0041] In certain forms of the foregoing AC distribution network,
the tie switch is coupled in parallel with a second DC
interconnection system structured to control reactive power between
the healthy portion and the first feeder line while the tie switch
is closed. In certain forms, the healthy portion is coupled to a
plurality of tie switching devices, and wherein closing the tie
switch includes selecting the tie switch using a calculated
headroom value for the second feeder line or a circuit breaker
status. In certain forms, detecting the overload condition includes
determining a rated current of the segment of the second feeder
line is exceeded by a current flowing through the segment, and
wherein transferring AC power includes receiving the AC power with
the first feeder line effective to reduce the current flowing
through the segment to a current magnitude less than the rated
current. In certain forms, transferring AC power includes
determining a set point for the DC interconnection system using a
plurality of headroom values each corresponding to points on at
least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line. In
certain forms, transferring AC power includes determining a set
point for the DC interconnection system using a voltage profile
each corresponding to voltages at points on at least one of the
first feeder line and second feeder line. In certain forms,
transferring AC power to the first feeder line includes
transferring AC power from a second DC interconnection system to
the healthy portion, wherein operation of the first DC
interconnection system and the second DC interconnection system are
coordinated so as to remove the overload condition from the second
feeder line and prevent another overload condition from occurring
within the third feeder line. In certain forms, the AC distribution
network includes a tap changer, wherein transferring AC power to
the first feeder line includes determining a coordinated solution
for the tap changer and the DC interconnection system effective to
eliminate the overload condition on the second feeder line, and
generating control signals for the tap changer and DC
interconnection system using the coordinated solution.
[0042] A further exemplary embodiment is a control system for an
alternating current (AC) distribution network comprising: a
processing device; a computer readable non-transitory medium
including a set of instructions executable by the processing device
effective to: operate a tie switch coupled between a first feeder
line and a second feeder line of the AC distribution network;
operate a DC interconnection system coupled to a third feeder line;
isolate a faulted portion of the first feeder line from a healthy
portion of the second feeder line; close the tie switch in response
to isolating the faulted portion from the healthy portion;
determine the second feeder line is experiencing an overload
condition after closing the tie switch; and transfer AC power to
the first feeder line including transferring AC power from the
third feeder line using a DC interconnection system effective to
reduce a magnitude of the overload condition from the second feeder
line.
[0043] In certain forms of the foregoing control system, the tie
switch is coupled in parallel with a second DC interconnection
system structured to control reactive power between the healthy
portion and the first feeder line while the tie switch is closed.
In certain forms, the healthy portion is coupled to a plurality of
tie switching devices, and wherein closing the tie switch includes
selecting the tie switch using a calculated headroom value for the
second feeder line or a circuit breaker status. In certain forms,
detecting the overload condition includes determining a rated
current of a segment of the second feeder line is exceeded by a
current flowing through the segment, and wherein transferring AC
power includes receiving the AC power with the first feeder line
effective to reduce the current flowing through the segment to a
current magnitude less than the rated current. In certain forms,
transferring AC power includes determining a set point for the DC
interconnection system using a plurality of headroom values each
corresponding to points on at least one of the first feeder line
and second feeder line, or wherein transferring AC power includes
determining a set point for the DC interconnection system using a
voltage profile each corresponding to voltages at points on at
least one of the first feeder line and second feeder line. In
certain forms, transferring AC power to the first feeder line
includes transferring AC power from a second DC interconnection
system to the healthy portion, wherein operation of the first DC
interconnection system and the second DC interconnection system are
coordinated so as to remove the overload condition from the second
feeder line and prevent another overload condition from occurring
within the third feeder line. In certain forms, the AC distribution
network includes a tap changer, wherein transferring AC power to
the first feeder line includes determining a coordinated solution
for the tap changer and the DC interconnection system effective to
eliminate the overload condition on the second feeder line, and
generating control signals for the tap changer and DC
interconnection system using the coordinated solution.
[0044] It is contemplated that the various aspects, features,
processes, and operations from the various embodiments may be used
in any of the other embodiments unless expressly stated to the
contrary. Certain operations illustrated may be implemented by a
computer executing a computer program product on a non-transient,
computer-readable storage medium, where the computer program
product includes instructions causing the computer to execute one
or more of the operations, or to issue commands to other devices to
execute one or more operations.
[0045] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and
described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the
same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in
character, it being understood that only certain exemplary
embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and
modifications that come within the spirit of the present disclosure
are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the
use of words such as "preferable," "preferably," "preferred" or
"more preferred" utilized in the description above indicate that
the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may
not be necessary, and embodiments lacking the same may be
contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure, the
scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the
claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least
one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to
limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the
contrary in the claim. The term "of" may connote an association
with, or a connection to, another item, as well as a belonging to,
or a connection with, the other item as informed by the context in
which it is used. The terms "coupled to," "coupled with" and the
like include indirect connection and coupling, and further include
but do not require a direct coupling or connection unless expressly
indicated to the contrary. When the language "at least a portion"
and/or "a portion" is used, the item can include a portion and/or
the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
* * * * *