US 2025/0096707 A1 · MEDIUM VOLTAGE INRUSH CURRENT REGULATION AND INTERCONNECTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A medium voltage inrush current (MVIC) regulator and interconnection control system for interposing between a distributed power generation facility and a utility grid. The facility has a designated generator step-up (GSU) transformer and is connected to the utility grid at a point of interconnect. The system includes a pre-insertion impedance injection transformer, a low voltage first switch connected between the pre-insertion transformer and secondary coils of the designated GSU transformer, a medium voltage second switch connected inline between the pre-insertion transformer and primary coils of the designated GSU transformer, and a controller. In response to restoration of the utility grid following a loss-of-grid event, the controller opens and closes the first and second switches according to an automated pre-energization switching sequence such that magnetic flux in the designated GSU transformer occurs at a reduced rate, thereby reducing inrush of current and undesirable power quality phenomena.

Claims84

Dependent claims

A medium voltage inrush current (MVIC) regulator and interconnection control system for interposing between a distributed power generation facility, having a designated generator step-up (GSU) transformer, and a utility grid, the distributed power generation facility being connected to the utility grid at a point of interconnect, comprising:

(a) a pre-insertion impedance injection transformer;
(b) a first switch connected between the pre-insertion transformer and secondary coils of the designated GSU transformer, the first switch being a low voltage switch;
(c) a second switch connected inline between the pre-insertion transformer and primary coils of the designated GSU transformer, the second switch being a medium voltage switch;
and
(d) a controller adapted, in response to restoration of the utility grid following a loss-of-grid event, to open and close the first and second switches according to an automated pre-energization switching sequence such that magnetic flux in the designated GSU transformer occurs at a reduced rate, thereby reducing inrush of current and undesirable power quality phenomena.

2 more elements

A method of reducing inrush current using a medium voltage inrush current (MVIC) regulator and interconnection control system interposed between a distributed power generation facility, having a designated generator step-up (GSU) transformer, and a utility grid, the distributed power generation facility being connected to the utility grid at a point of interconnect, the MVIC regulator and interconnection control system having a pre-insertion impedance injection transformer, a low voltage first switch connected between the pre-insertion transformer and secondary coils of the designated GSU transformer, a medium voltage second switch connected inline between the pre-insertion transformer and primary coils of the designated GSU transformer, and a controller, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) following a loss-of-grid event, ensuring that the first and second switches are open;
(b) via the controller, and in response to restoration of the utility grid following the loss-of-grid event, opening and closing the first and second switches according to an automated pre-energization switching sequence such that magnetic flux in the designated GSU transformer occurs at a reduced rate, thereby reducing inrush of current and undesirable power quality phenomena.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Medium voltage inrush current regulation and interconnection control system and method

Life of this patent

Medium voltage inrush current regulation and interconnection control system and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims84