Power Flow Control Using Distributed Saturable Inductors

Aleks Dimitrovski ORNL

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Power System Flows

PS , QS

VS /
VSVR PS sin X
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Z jX

VR /0

VS2 VSVR cos QS X

Simple Example
3 x 150 MVA lines supply 250 MW load

All lines:
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z = 0.125 + j0.52 /mi,

y = j6.8 S/mi

Simple Example
Uncontrolled Power Flow

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Uncontrolled Flows Cause Problems

Overloading of lines and transformers Reduced security margins Power exchange contractual violations Increased fault levels beyond rating

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 and Inefficiencies

Increased system losses Reduced power transfer capabilities Opposite reactive power flows Loop flows
loop flow, reactive power actual real power transfer

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Limited Flow Control

Switching elements on/off Regulating Transformers

Off-nominal turns ratio

Phase-shifters

Switchable shunt/series capacitors and inductors

FACTS - Flexible AC Transmission System Devices

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FACTS Devices Expensive and Bulky

TVA Sullivan S/S near Johnson City
84 MVAr Cap Bank

100 MVAr STATCOM

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Air-Core Inductors Cheaper but Coarse

PNM Norton S/S near LANL
15 Air-Core Series Inductor

10 ft

7 ft

6 ft

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14,500 lbs

Cost Comparison

Norton air-core inductor,120 MVA:

~ $1,000,000 (current estimate)

Equivalent FACTS device:

> $10,000,000

This proposal: ~ $100,000

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Simple Example
Inductor Controlled Power Flow

24.9 (66 mH)

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Simple Example
Different Load Distribution inductor On

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Simple Example
Different Load Distribution inductor Off

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Simple Example
Different Load Distribution inductor Changed

14.8 (39 mH)

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Magnetic Amplifier
Iac Nac l
ac dc
Power line (controlled circuit)

A
m

ac circuit inductance :

Lac

2 m N ac A

const m

controlled by dc circuit current :

Idc

Ndc
DC Source dc bias flux control circuit

m f ( I dc )

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BH Curve of Ferromagnetic Core

B 1~2 T large Idc1 < Idc2 H small

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Symmetrical Connection

Equal performance in both half-cycles Cancellation of the induced voltage in the dc circuit

Iac

Nac/2

Nac/2

ac

dc

ac

dc

Ndc/2
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Ndc/2
DC Source

Idc

Single-Core Symmetrical Connection

Three-legged core No induced voltage in the dc circuit

Iac

Nac/2

Nac/2

ac

Ndc

dc

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Idc
DC Source

Single-Core with Swapped Windings

Exclusive path for ac flux instead of dc through the middle leg Bias dc flux not impeded by gaps in the core

Iac

dc

ac

gaps

Ndc/2

Nac

Ndc/2

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Idc

DC Source

Local DC Saturation
Iac
ac

Idc
DC Source
gaps

Ndc /2
dc

Ndc /2

Nac l

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Conclusions

Magnetic amplifier based device for continuous power flow control Combination of proven and familiar concepts with new technology Cheap enough for system-wide deployment and comprehensive power flow control Makes the grid part smart in smart grid, besides generation and load

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