111111111111111111111111111!!),!1,111!),1121,1111111111111111111111111
`
`(12) United States Patent (cid:9)
`Divan et al. (cid:9)
`
`(1o) Patent No.: (cid:9)
`(45) Date of Patent: (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`*Mar. 22, 2016
`
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EDGE OF
`NETWORK VOLTAGE CONTROL OF A
`POWER GRID
`
`Applicant: Varentec, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US)
`
`Inventors: Deepakraj M. Divan, San Jose, CA
`(US); Andrew Dillon, Los Altos, CA
`(US)
`
`Assignee: VARENTEC, INC., Santa Clara, CA
`(US)
`
`Notice: (cid:9)
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/659,480
`
`(22) Filed: (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 16, 2015
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2015/0236509 Al (cid:9)
`
`Aug. 20, 2015
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 13/488,330, filed on
`Jun. 4, 2012, now Pat. No. 9,014,867.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/635,797, filed on Apr.
`19, 2012, provisional application No. 61/635,799,
`
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H02J 3/12 (cid:9)
`H02J 3/16 (cid:9)
`G05B 15/02 (cid:9)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC . H02J 3/16 (2013.01); G05B 15/02 (2013.01);
`Y04S 10/22 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,365,190 A
`4,709,269 A
`
`12/1982 (cid:9) Pasternack et al.
`11/1987 (cid:9) Ozaki
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`JP
`
`6/2011
`102082438 Al (cid:9)
`10/2009
`2009254166 A (cid:9)
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`State Intellectual Property Office of PRC, Notification of First Office
`Action for CN Patent Application No. 2012800691846, Feb. 6, 2015,
`pp. 1-2.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Sean Shechtman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Sheppard Mullin Richter &
`Hampton LLP
`
`(57) (cid:9)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control
`of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system
`comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of loads,
`and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR
`sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the distribu-
`tion power network. Each of the loads may receive power
`from the distribution power network. The plurality of shunt-
`connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be located at
`the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network
`where they may each detect a proximate voltage. Further,
`each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor and a VAR
`compensation component. The processor may be configured
`to enable the VAR source to determine whether to enable the
`VAR compensation component based on the proximate volt-
`age and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by controlling
`a switch to enable the VAR compensation component.
`
`16 Claims, 25 Drawing Sheets
`
`--V00,01;92V ;tow. e..xsTago deexteff.1-6,TOATT—
`
`kide.nrine if ir.r VAR
`,see.re,sei ofteonute vrIege (cid:9)
`menpose. wmpened may be enabled
`
`sewn, ,oltage ..ra, Vus xsmw.e one .nr
`VAr, .see
`
`t,onevee (cid:9)
`
`votnago o sa Miralr tleburnop CI at
`
`tompeosean
`r [Vey closmee... lo engege (cid:9)
`DeCOXI p3.01,271.03 fir ne
`
`[2:74:=02S7'
`
`Mu, by Oa max,: VAR mum, (cid:9)
`
`em,co many 1-,,M
`
`itelect ra.age (cid:9)
`
`emer.s 0..e. (cid:9)
`
`pam:err..
`
`qraCVAIR me. IMO h Vnllennen wan.
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 1/40
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`

`US 9,293,922 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`filed on Apr. 19, 2012, provisional application No.
`61/579,610, filed on Dec. 22, 2011, provisional appli-
`cation No. 61/567,580, filed on Dec. 6, 2011, provi-
`sional application No. 61/535,892, filed on Sep. 16,
`2011.
`
`(56)
`
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`6,067,482 A
`6,181,113 (cid:9) B1
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`6,624,532 B1
`6,643,112 B1
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`7,102,903 B2 *
`
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`9/1989
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`2011/0175592 Al (cid:9)
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`2011/0285362 Al (cid:9)
`
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`8/2010
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`6/2011
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`
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`Yip
`Feng
`Cho
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`Wilson, Tom, "A Comparison of AdaptiVolt(TM) and Line Drop
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`Patent Application No. 12855569.5, Jul. 28, 2015, pp. 1-8.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 2/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 1 of 25
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`w
`
`. (cid:9)
`
`M, •
`
`• 0 Km
`
`op 4?
`(q (cid:9)
`
`an
`
`4^-3 *t ts1 (cid:9)
`
`eN (cid:9)
`
`ut ..4et 01
`41, 0 oti Pp. (cid:9)
`Cv ge- v., low vm v- ww
`
`ofiel 0.e4gsn'}1
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 3/40
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`O .1,
`
`eD
`eD
`
`et,
`
`•
`
`•,.1.Y4.01??.4:55???,144.442,,XX:Wki.6.1W44XgS.A.:*.*A.?,?
`
`11::6 120d
`
`114 120c
`
`\\:
`
`A.
`
`TrgIrsec.rnurt r's-vY'' •
`
`108d
`
`1
`
`4.i.66.4794m441.464.1x,xt,.,44.4:4kxx.,4{,..,2,56,,,,,,,,. • (cid:9)
`
`: ....
`
`A ,1• A
`
`e4•Nii3.?
`A•• (cid:9)
`
`• (cid:9)
`
`-4••••••••••••
`• •••
`
`108a
`
`.. •• •
`
`•• ....... .•
`Chenvef (LTC)
`
`Load Tap
`
`medium veibge distribution feeder
`
`106
`
`Substatism
`
`102 •
`
`pfare.S.mr
`
`4.4 x.,15%M.**p.“S (cid:9)
`
`4
`
`istance from Substation
`."44* A4,NWV04.444" (cid:9)
`
`" %'4'.54" (cid:9)
`
`$S (cid:9)
`
`XV4,1,44 $••••:•::4!:.:M (cid:9)
`
`b
`
`„7.„,
`
`113
`114
`115
`116
`117
`118
`119
`120 (cid:9)
`121
`122
`123
`124
`125
`126
`127
`Voltage
`Custimet
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 4/40
`
`

`

`(4.)
`
`eD
`eD
`
`CD
`
`1-0
`
`FIG. Ic
`
`Distance from Substation
`
`x
`
`fytt:sk.**4.44hx (cid:9), (cid:9)
`
`, N.%.*:::***AAZIoh (cid:9)
`
`, ' (cid:9)
`
`''.:****AXX (cid:9)
`
`118
`
`124
`
`122
`
`re
`
`eXAM:SAMgt,K,!0:::0.VOIW:P$30t.04:4:4X.M5A,A$Zk**4.*ZSR*4.n.::::".4.2WeQ$XX:t
`
`4M.**$,"xxA*401;;M$Xt.":51,144KMOPWP (cid:9)
`
`M14*OXAR,t
`
`120d
`
`}114 120c
`
`112
`
`108b
`
`120b
`
`110 120a (cid:9)
`
`113
`114
`115
`116
`117
`118
`119
`120
`121
`122
`123
`124
`125
`12
`127
`
`Voitagi
`CUS:Mel
`
`!•:,:ctrcis..;t3 L's-"\-"C
`
`C'ev•-•
`
`......... • •-.
`
`108d
`
`108c
`
`108a
`
`Cbanger ITC)
`
`load Up
`
`ruclium voge <fistribution feeder
`
`106
`
`;Substatjp.n,...
`
`
`
`102 .4
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 5/40
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 4 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`• (cid:9)
`
`:
`
`"\\,,:.' •
`
`:•:•:•:• • : (cid:9)
`
`•••),•• v,"^>:
`
`•
`
`X6.0;>*••••*zos>,•.%\:%.':ii:,.
`
`,
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 6/40
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`eD
`0"
`
`et)
`
`Fla a
`
`voltag?x at segea point
`41- 2% wOkInat, m the
`,reen 405 irtdioate a
`
`form volta , control
`
`Dr+, ''wtect
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 7/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 6 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 8/40
`
`

`

`FIG. 4a
`
`430
`
`From Controller
`
`424 ,M
`
`420
`
`41
`
`
`
`414
`
`Controller
`
`From (cid:9)
`
`418
`
`416
`
`• (cid:9)
`
`410
`
`Vac
`
`428
`PSU
`
`Controller
`
`426
`
`
`
`To Relay-4
`To Triae (cid:9)
`
`40$ (cid:9)
`
`406,/~.
`
`422N.,"-*
`
`fD
`
`/N.. 404
`
`402
`
`400
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 9/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 8 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 10/40
`
`

`

`lualud °Sil
`
`910Z `ZZ 'ARAI
`
`SZ Jo 6 WIN
`
`Zll ZZ6`£6e6 Sf1
`
`Turn off 420
`
`Current I
`
`FIG. 4c
`
`Turn off 414
`
`Tum on 420
`
`I
`I
`
`$
`
`Capacitive
`
`I
`I
`
`Delay
`
`rt
`I (cid:9)
`
`V
`
`lac
`
`Al A A
`
`Vac
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 11/40
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 10 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`500
`
`508
`
`Time
`
`5a
`
`Time
`
`FIG, 5b
`
`510
`
`512
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 12/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 11 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`Receive set point
`
`602
`
`Detect voltage proximate to edge of network
`
`Compare proximate voltage, to t-iet point to determine if the VAR
`compensation component may be enabled
`
`Delay determination for a predetermined time
`
`Detect voltage proximate to edge of network
`
`Determine WI-Idler-to enable VAR compen a .ion-based on compansei
`of detected proximate voltage to set point after delay
`
`612
`612
`
`Adjust network volt ampere reactive
`
`END
`
`HG.
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 13/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 12 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`-Defect first voltage proximate at first edge Of netwoii by first VAR
`source
`
`Compare first proximate voltage to set point to determine if the VAR
`compensation component may be enabled
`
`Delay determination to engage VAR compensation component for a
`first predetermined time
`
`Detect second voltage proximate at second edge of network by second
`VAR source
`
`Compare second proximate voltage to set point to determine if the
`VAR compensation component may be enabled
`
`Delay determination to engage VAR compensation component for a
`second predetermined time
`
`Detect voltage proximate by second VAR source after second
`predetermined delay
`
`Determine whether to enable VAR compensation by the second VAR
`source based on comparison of detected proximate voltage to set point
`
`Adjust, by the second VAR source, network volt ampere reactive
`
`Detect voltage proximate by first VAR source after first predetermined
`delay
`
`Determine whether to enable VAIN compensation by the first VAR
`source based on comparison of detected proximate voltage to set point
`
`Adjust, by the first VAR source, network volt ampere reactive
`
`702
`
`704
`
`706
`
`708
`
`710
`
`714
`
`716
`
`720
`
`722
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 14/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 13 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`v.... 4.4
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 15/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 14 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`I I
`
`0 I
`
`o
`gtat410A
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 16/40
`
`

`

`AilthotIt Voltme
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Time [
`
`L5
`
`
`
`eir.•..atretion. (cid:9)
`
`0
`
`••••
`
`0.92
`
`• ,,,, ,,, ,
`
`• ,,,,,,,, • ,,,,,,,,,,, (cid:9)
`
`,,,,,, ,, ,,,,,,,••••4•••••••••••••••••••4:4•••••••••••••••••••••••••”,...:44:44,4 ,,,,,
`
`44 (cid:9)4 44,...,4. (cid:9)
`
`0.94
`
`eD (.•
`eD
`
`1-0
`
`.
`
`........... (cid:9)
`
`, , (cid:9)
`
`•
`
`• {:b4+ {:{r4.. (cid:9)
`
`• 14,, • • • • ,,,,,,, (cid:9)
`
`•t,”.•414444,44,. • t • • • • e• • • . • o• 4 4 4 • : • (cid:9)
`
`•
`
`44,14.41:14., (cid:9)
`
`0.9.
`
`,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,, • •
`
`;;;;;; /LW, (cid:9)
`
`••• • ;;;;; (cid:9)
`
`098
`
`" ,,,,,, "A"."'""sw•w' ,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,
`
`/my
`
`A
`
`Veele
`
`1,4%. (cid:9)
`
`4444.4C,140411,4, • • ••••••
`
`Pin uy Feedex 'Response to Load Step Increase
`
`,,,,,, . ,,,,, .......
`
`1.04
`
`(cid:9)NYVVVV•S
`
`I 00
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 17/40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 16 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`118
`
`-1102 (cid:9)
`
`11C (cid:9)
`
`-1104 (cid:9)
`
`110
`
`/-1106
`
`Unit No. 1
`
`Unit No 2
`4 Unit No 3
`,,..
`4 Unit No, 4
`Unit No.
`Unit Unit No 6
`Unit No. 7
`1 Unit No 8
`4 Unit No, 9
`Una No. 10
`
`Micro-
`Processor
`
`11E
`
`1108
`
`ADC and
`ZCD Circuit
`
`FIG.11A
`
`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
`GRIDCO 1015 - 18/40
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`FIG. 11B
`
`TP2-
`L _PT2
`L _PT3
`
`L1-12T4
`
`Neutrall
`
`VDD12V
`
`Scr-On-
`
`Relay-0
`
`VDD12V
`
`Relay Circuit
`
`ZVD-1
`
`1.1-1,T3
`
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`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
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`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 18 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
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`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
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`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 19 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
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`FIG. 11 DA
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`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
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`Sheet 20 of 25
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`US 9,293,922 B2
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`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
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`Mar. 22, 2016
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`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
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`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
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`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
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`

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`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
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`Sheet 23 of 25 (cid:9)
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`US 9,293,922 B2
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`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
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`Gridco, Inc. v. Varentec, Inc. IPR2017-01135
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`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Mar. 22, 2016 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 25 of 25 (cid:9)
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
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`

`1
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EDGE OF
`NETWORK VOLTAGE CONTROL OF A
`POWER GRID
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED (cid:9)
`APPLICATIONS
`
`5
`
`The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
`application Ser. 13/488,330, filed Jun. 4, 2012, entitled "Sys-
`tems and Methods for Edge of Network Voltage Control of a 10
`Power Grid," which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`sional Patent Application No. 61/535,892, filed Sep. 16,
`2011, entitled "Systems and Methods of a Distributed
`Dynamic VAR (D-DVAR) Compensator," U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application No. 61/567,580, filed Dec. 6, 2011, 15
`entitled "Systems and Methods for Dynamic VAR Optimiza-
`tion," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/579,610,
`filed Dec. 22, 2011, and entitled "Systems and Methods for
`Managing Power," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
`61/635,799, filed Apr. 19, 2012, and entitled "Systems and 20
`Methods for Dynamic AC Line Voltage Regulation with
`Energy Saving Tracking," and U.S. Provisional Patent Appli-
`cation No. 61/635,797, filed Apr. 19, 2012, and entitled "Sys-
`tems and Methods for Fast VAR Source with Anti-Resonance
`Function," all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 25
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Field of the Invention(s)
`The present invention(s) generally relate to power distri- 30
`bution grid network optimization strategies. More particu-
`larly, the invention(s) relate to systems and methods for edge
`of network voltage control of a power distribution grid.
`2. Description of Related Art
`The conventional approach to power distribution grid volt- 35
`age control is based on techniques developed about 70 years
`ago. In recent years, highly complex and expensive systems
`have been required to implement improved effective voltage
`control and conservation voltage reduction (CVR) based
`demand reduction. Under present requirements, alternating 40
`current (AC) line voltage for connected users needs to fall
`within a narrow band specified by ANSI C84.1 under all
`conditions of loading and substation voltage. Typically, utili-
`ties operate in a narrow band of 116-124 volts, even though
`level 'A' service allows for a range of 114-126 volts. The 45
`difficulty in adhering to a tight regulation band arises from
`normal fluctuations in incoming line voltage at the substation,
`as well as load changes along the feeder. These changes cause
`the line voltage to vary, with utilities required to maintain
`voltage for consumers within specified bounds. (cid:9)
`The prior art volt-ampere reactive regulation devices (VAR
`devices) for voltage control may be split into several catego-
`ries including: 1) prior art VAR devices with slow responding
`capacitors and electro-mechanical switches; ii) prior art VAR
`devices with medium response capacitors and thyristor 55
`switched capacitors; and iii) prior art VAR devices with power
`converter based VAR control using Static VAR sources or
`static synchronous condensers (STATCOMs).
`It should be noted that capacitors in the prior art VAR
`devices are mainly used for power factor control when used 60
`by customers and for voltage control when used by utilities.
`For power factor control, the downstream line current must be
`measured. Capacitors and/or inductors may be switched on or
`off based on the line current to realize a desired overall power
`factor (e.g., typically at a value of unity). In the second case of 65
`voltage control used by utilities, capacitors are controlled
`based on: 1) local voltage measurements; 2) other parameters
`
`50
`
`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`2
`such as temperature; and/or 3) dispatches communicatively
`received from a control center. The control center may dis-
`patch decisions regarding capacitor control based on infor-
`mation received from multiple points in the network.
`Most capacitors of prior art VAR devices are switched
`using electromechanical switches. The electromechanical
`switches are limited in switching speed and by life of the
`switches. Many electromechanical switches are limited to 3-4
`switches per day. A response time of approximately fifteen
`minutes is often required to enable voltage control with prior
`art VAR devices. During this time, the following steps may be
`performed: 1) sensing voltages locally; 2) communicating the
`sensed voltages to a centralized control center; 3) power
`and/or voltage modeling of the system at the centralized
`control center; 4) determining to take action based on the
`model and perceived potential improvements; and 5) dis-
`patching one or more commands from the centralized control
`center to the prior art VAR device to switch the capacitor.
`More advanced Volt-VAR Optimization or VVO systems are
`moving to such centralized implementations so they can try to
`optimize the profile of voltage along an entire distribution
`feeder and reduce infighting between prior art VAR devices.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage con-
`trol of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a
`system comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of
`loads, and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled
`VAR sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the
`distribution power network. Each of the loads may receive
`power from the distribution power network. The plurality of
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be
`located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power
`network where they may each detect a proximate voltage.
`Further, each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor
`and a VAR compensation component. The processor may be
`configured to enable the VAR source to determine, after a
`delay, whether to enable the VAR compensation component
`based on the proximate voltage and to adjust network volt-
`ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the VAR
`compensation component.
`The delay of each of the plurality of shunt-connected,
`switch-controlled VAR sources may not be equal. The differ-
`ent delays of different members of the plurality of shunt-
`connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may prevent
`infighting between at least two of the different members. In
`various embodiments, the delay of at least two of the plurality
`of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be
`equal but the delay of a third of the plurality of shunt-con-
`nected, switch-controlled VAR sources may not be equal to
`the other two VAR sources.
`The switch may comprise a semiconductor switch in series
`with an NTC or resistor. The semiconductor switch (in series
`with the NTC or resistor) may be in parallel with a relay. The
`semiconductor switch may be controlled by a first signal from
`the processor and the relay may be controlled by a second
`signal from the processor. The semiconductor switch may
`control enabling the VAR compensation component and
`relieves the relay of switching stress. The relay may conduct
`when the semiconductor switch is active thereby reducing
`semiconductor device conduction losses.
`In various embodiments, at least two of the plurality of
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources are on a low
`voltage side of a transformer of the power distribution net-
`work. The VAR compensation component may comprise
`capacitors or inductors.
`
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`

`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`40 (cid:9)
`
`4
`3
`In some embodiments, each of the plurality of shunt-con-
`power network, the first load being configured to receive
`nected, switch-controlled VAR sources includes at least one
`power from the distribution power network, the first switch-
`voltage set point. Each of the processors of the plurality of
`controlled VAR source configured to detect a first proximate
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be
`voltage at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power
`configured to determine whether to enable the VAR compen- 5
`network, the first switch-controlled VAR source comprising a
`sation component based on a comparison of the proximate
`VAR compensation component and a processor, the proces-
`voltage to the at least one voltage set point. Each of the
`sor configured to enable the first switch-controlled VAR
`plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources
`source to determine, after a first delay, whether to enable the
`may increase leading volt-ampere reactive if the at least one
`VAR compensation component based on the first proximate
`voltage set point is higher than the detected proximate voltage io
`voltage and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by con-
`and decrease leading volt-ampere reactive if the at least one
`trolling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component
`voltage set point is lower than the detected proximate voltage.
`based on the determination.
`In some embodiments, each of the plurality of shunt-con-
`The method may further comprise coupling a second
`nected, switch-controlled VAR sources comprises a commu-
`switch-controlled VAR source in shunt on a distribution
`nication module configured to receive at least one voltage set 15
`power network, the second switch-controlled VAR source
`point. The communication module of different shunt-con-
`being proximate to a second load at or near an edge of the
`nected, switch-controlled VAR sources may receive updates
`distribution power network, the second load being configured
`for the at least one voltage set point(s). The communication
`to receive power from the distribution power network, the
`module may be configured to update the voltage set point and
`0 second switch-controlled VAR source configured to detect a
`a rate of update of the voltage set point may be significantly 2
`second proximate voltage at the edge or near the edge of the
`slower than adjusting the network volt-ampere reactive by
`distribution power network, the second switch-controlled
`controlling the switch to enable the VAR compensation com-
`ponent based on the determination. In some embodiments, at
`VAR source comprising a VAR compensation component and
`least two of the plurality of shunt-connected, switch-con-
`a processor, the processor configured to enable the second
`trolled VAR sources receive different voltage set points. (cid:9)
`5 switch-controlled VAR source to determine, after a second
`2
`In some embodiments, the processor is further configured
`delay, whether to enable the VAR compensation component
`to detect an overvoltage condition and disable the switch
`based on the second proximate voltage and to adjust network
`based on the detected overvoltage condition. In various
`volt-ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the
`embodiments, the system self-determines which VAR com-
`VAR compensation component based on the determination.
`pensation components of the plurality of VAR sources are 3
`The first delay may not be equal to the second delay. The
`o (cid:9)
`enabled and which VAR compensation components of the
`different delays of different members of the plurality of
`plurality of VAR sources are not enabled.
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may pre-
`An exemplary method comprises detecting, by a first
`vent infighting between at least two of the different members.
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR source at an edge or
`near the edge of a distribution power network proximate to a 35
`first load, a first proximate voltage, the first load configured
`whether to receive power from the distribution power net-
`work, the first shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR
`source comprising a processor and a VAR compensation
`component, determining, after a first delay, by the processor
`of the first shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR source,
`whether to enable the VAR compensation component based
`on the first proximate voltage, adjusting, by the VAR com-
`pensation component of the first shunt-connected, switch-
`controlled VAR source, a network volt ampere based on the
`determination.
`The method may further comprise detecting, by a second
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR source at the edge
`or near the edge of the distribution power network proximate
`to a second load, a second proximate voltage, the second
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR source comprising
`a VAR compensation component and a processor, determin-
`ing, after a second delay, by the processor of the second
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR source, whether to
`enable the VAR compensation component based on the sec-
`ond proximate voltage after a second delay; adjusting, by the
`VAR compensation component of the second shunt-con-
`nected, switch-controlled VAR source, the network volt
`ampere based on the determination.
`The first delay may not equal to the second delay. The
`different delays of different members of the plurality of
`shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may pre-
`vent infighting between at least two of the different members.
`Another exemplary method may comprise coupling a first
`switch-controlled VAR source in shunt on a distribution
`power network, the first switch-controlled VAR source being
`proximate to a first load at or near an edge of the distribution
`
`FIG. la depicts a typical distribution feeder fed from a
`single substation in some embodiments.
`FIG. lb depicts a distribution feeder fed from a single
`substation and including a plurality of edge of network volt-
`age optimization (ENVO) devices in some embodiments.
`FIG. lc depicts another distribution feeder fed from a
`single substation and including the plurality of ENVO
`45 devices in some embodiments.
`FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting voltage drop along feeders
`due to loads without the implementation of capacitor banks in
`the prior art.
`FIG. 3a is a diagram depicting a power distribution grid
`so with shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources at or
`near each load in some embodiments.
`FIG. 3b is another diagram depicting a power distribution
`grid with shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources at
`or near each load in some embodiments.
`FIG. 4a is a circuit diagram of an exemplary switch-con-
`trolled VAR source which may be connected in shunt in some
`embodiments.
`FIG. 4b is a graph that depicts activating the semiconductor
`switch relative to the relay to engage VAR compensation in
`60 some embodiments.
`FIG. 4c is a graph that depicts deactivating the semicon-
`ductor switch relative to the relay to disengage VAR compen-
`sation in some embodiments.
`FIGS. 5a and 5b are graphs that depict a desired voltage
`65 range in relation to set points in some embodiments.
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart for voltage regulation by a switch-
`controlled VAR source in some embodiments.
`
`55 (cid:9)
`
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`US 9,293,922 B2
`
`5
`
`6
`5
`fighting between sources, while allowing connected points to
`FIG. 7 is a time sequence of events of network regulation
`with two switch-controlled VAR sources in some embodi- (cid:9)
`reach a desired voltage set point with much higher granularity
`ments. (cid:9)
`and accuracy.
`If distributed VAR compensation is implemented, the util-
`FIG. 8 is a graph that depicts a typical voltage profile at
`various nodes in the prior art. (cid:9)
`ity may realize several benefits. For example, a desired volt-
`FIG. 9 is a graph that depicts relatively flat voltage profile (cid:9)
`age profile may be maintained optimally along the line even
`as system configuration changes, system losses may
`at various nodes in some embodiments realized with 240
`decrease, and/or system stability and reliability may be
`switch controlled VAR sources operating to regulate the volt-
`age along the edge of the distribution feeder. (cid:9)
`improved. New cascading grid failure mechanisms, such as
`FIG. 10 is a graph that depicts a dynamic response of the 10 Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR) may also
`be avoided through the availability of distributed dynamically
`ENVO system to line voltage changes (which can be caused
`by solar PV plants), as well as to step changes in line loading (cid:9)
`controllable VARs.
`in some e