Electrical power system stability optimization system
Inventors
FU, Sheau-Wei Johnny • Karimi, Kamiar J. • Jaksic, Marko D. • Zhou, Bo • Wen, Bo • Mattavelli, Paolo • Boroyevich, Dushan
Assignees
Boeing Co • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Publication Number
US-9471731-B2
Publication Date
2016-10-18
Expiration Date
2032-10-30
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for electrical power system stability optimization. An electrical power system comprising source elements and load elements is simulated to generate impedance data, wherein the impedance data identifies an impedance of the electrical power system. A stability profile of the electrical power system is characterized as a function of the impedance data, wherein the stability profile identifies the source elements and load elements to control power generation by the electrical power system to optimize stability of the electrical power system.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and apparatus for optimizing the stability of electrical power systems by generating and analyzing impedance data. An electrical power system, which includes source elements and load elements, is simulated to create impedance data that identifies the system's impedance. The system's stability profile is then characterized as a function of this impedance data, allowing for identification of the source and load elements to control power generation and optimize overall system stability.
This approach addresses challenges found in electrical power systems, particularly in aircraft, where regulated power electronics and diverse system designs can adversely affect stability. By integrating system simulation and stability analysis functions, the invention allows for accurate and efficient characterization of stability profiles across numerous potential power system designs, overcoming the limitations of current systems that may require manual intervention or can only analyze certain types of impedances under restrictive assumptions.
The system incorporates automated selection and control of simulation parameters, including the unique automatic selection and adjustment of perturbation frequencies injected into the simulation, combined with Fast Fourier transform techniques for acquiring accurate impedance data. This technical solution facilitates rapid and accurate profiling of system stability, enabling optimized design choices to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and lower lifecycle costs for vehicles such as aircraft.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims that outline distinct inventive features focused on simulating electrical power systems, generating impedance data using specific signal injection and frequency selection strategies, and optimizing system stability through detailed analysis.
Electrical power system simulator with automated impedance data generation
The invention includes an electrical power system simulator configured to generate impedance data from a simulation model representing source elements and load elements. The impedance data identifies the system's impedance at an interface characterized by a line frequency. The simulator injects perturbation signals (series voltage or shunt current) at multiple perturbation frequencies selected based on initial values, and calculates impedance data using a Fast Fourier transform over a defined time window.
Selection and adjustment of perturbation frequencies for simulation accuracy
Perturbation frequencies are selected such that both the line frequency and all perturbation frequencies are integer multiples of a frequency defined by the time window used in the Fast Fourier transform. The frequencies are determined by identifying and eliminating overlapping frequencies through an iterative check where the sum of any two frequencies is not a multiple of the line frequency, thereby removing overlap and ensuring precise impedance measurement.
User interface for simulation and frequency selection
A user interface is provided, allowing for selection of series voltage or shunt current, input of initial perturbation frequencies, and displaying the chosen perturbation frequencies to be injected into the simulation model for generating impedance data.
Stability analysis based on impedance data
A stability analyzer is communicatively linked to the simulator and is configured to characterize the stability profile of the electrical power system as a function of the generated impedance data. The stability profile is used to identify source and load elements needed to control power generation for optimized stability.
Method for electrical power system stability optimization
The method independently claims the process of simulating an electrical power system to generate impedance data, injecting signals at selected perturbation frequencies, using Fast Fourier transform analysis, selecting frequencies to avoid overlap, and characterizing a stability profile to optimize system stability.
Impedance identification method by simulation and signal injection
This method involves simulating the power system by injecting series voltage or shunt current at multiple perturbation frequencies (selected to avoid overlap), generating impedance data with a Fast Fourier transform, and using a user interface for parameter selection and display.
Aircraft-specific system implementation
A system is claimed for optimizing electrical power systems onboard aircraft, implementing all core features such as the simulator, impedance identifier, user interface, and stability analyzer to generate impedance data, analyze stability profiles, and optimize system performance for airborne applications.
The claims cover a comprehensive approach to electrical power system stability analysis and optimization, including automated impedance identification, specialized frequency selection techniques, user interface integration, and stability profiling for optimized design—applied broadly and to specific platforms like aircraft.
Stated Advantages
Provides accurate and efficient characterization of stability profiles across numerous possible electrical power system designs without sacrificing accuracy.
Enables optimization of electrical power systems for improved power efficiency, density, and quality, leading to reduced system weight, volume, and greater fuel efficiency.
Reduces lifecycle costs by minimizing maintenance needs and the frequency of component repair or replacement in electrical power systems.
Automates parameter selection and minimizes the need for manual intervention, thus addressing limitations of existing simulation and stability analysis methods.
Supports rapid assessment and optimization, reducing system design time and cost.
Documented Applications
Optimization and stability analysis of electrical power systems on aircraft.
Power system stability analysis for vehicles including those traveling through air, space, land, surface water, underwater, and other environments.
Electrical power system stability optimization and analysis for any fixed or mobile platform requiring controlled power generation and distribution.
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