IP Library Granted Patent US 9,851,737
Granted Patent B1
US 9,851,737 · App. 14/556,820 · Granted Dec 26, 2017

Computing an operating parameter of a unified power flow controller

Inventors: David G. Wilson (Tijeras, NM); Rush D. Robinett, III (Tijeras, NM)
Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
G05F1/67G05B15/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,851,737
App. No.
14/556,820
Granted
Dec 26, 2017
Kind
B1
Abstract

A Unified Power Flow Controller described herein comprises a sensor that outputs at least one sensed condition, a processor that receives the at least one sensed condition, a memory that comprises control logic that is executable by the processor; and power electronics that comprise power storage, wherein the processor causes the power electronics to selectively cause the power storage to act as one of a power generator or a load based at least in part upon the at least one sensed condition output by the sensor and the control logic, and wherein at least one operating parameter of the power electronics is designed to facilitate maximal transmittal of electrical power generated at a variable power generation system to a grid system while meeting power constraints set forth by the electrical power grid.

Claims (13)

1. A Unified Power Flow Controller, comprising:

a sensor that outputs at least one sensed condition of a variable power generation system power output;

a processor that receives the at least one sensed condition;

a memory that comprises control logic that is executable by the processor; and

power electronics that comprise power storage,

wherein the processor causes the power electronics to selectively cause the power storage to act as one of a power generator or a load based at least in part upon the at least one sensed condition output by the sensor and determined by the control logic, and

wherein at least one operating parameter of the power electronics is designed to facilitate maximal transmittal of electric power generated at a variable power generation system to an electric power grid while meeting power constraints set forth by the electric power grid; and

wherein the Unified Power Flow Controller determines if the variable power generation system power output can be provided to the electric power grid with or without supplement or alteration from the power storage by adding additional power or providing a load to reduce the amount of power provided to the grid, respectively.

2. The Unified Power Flow Controller of claim 1 , wherein the power storage is one of a battery, a capacitor, or a flywheel.

3. The Unified Power Flow Controller of claim 1 , wherein the power electronics comprise a Flexible AC Transmission system.

4. The Unified Power Flow Controller of claim 1 , wherein the control logic comprises a nonlinear controller.

5. The Unified Power Flow Controller of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensed condition is selected from a group consisting of voltage magnitude, frequency, current magnitude and heat of a transmission line.

6. The Unified Power Flow Controller of claim 1 , wherein the power electronics modify frequency of the variable power generation system power output.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Sep 27, 2017
From: SANDIA CORPORATION
To: NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA, LLC
Reel/Frame 044029/0527 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 1, 2014
From: WILSON, DAVID G.; ROBINETT, RUSH D., III
To: SANDIA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 034290/0714 →
Continuity (5)
Division 13159303 · Jun 13, 2011
Continuation In Part 12633045 · Dec 8, 2009
Continuation In Part 12474349 · May 29, 2009
Continuation In Part 12052180 · Mar 20, 2008
Provisional Application 60896043 · Mar 21, 2007