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Variable frequency

transformer

SUBMITTED BY:
SUHAIL AHMAD SUHAIL
ENROLL: 243/12
ROLL NO. 36

VARIABLE FREQUENCY
TRANSFORMER

A new power transmission technology has recently been


made available which is simple and reliable.

This technology is called VARIABLE FREQUENCY


TRANSFORMER

A VFT has been in commercial operation since 2004 and has


proven to be a reliable power transmission technology

There are presently two VFTs in commercial operation . They


are
1) Hydro-Quebecs Langlois substation, Canada.
2) Laredo VFT substation,texas.

What is vft..?

The variable frequency transformer (VFT) is a controllable,


bi-directional transmission device that can transfer power
between networks of two grids under some or all operating
conditions

The two grids need not be synchronous.

While primarily designed to move power across an


asynchronous interconnection. the VFT has also shown itself
to have remarkable stabilizing benefits

The VFT is not only compatible with other devices but in


some cases enhances the performance of nearby existing
equipments

Vft technology

The VFT is composed of a rotary transformer , a torque motor


and an associated drive and control system.

construction

The ROTARY TRANSFORMER is composed of a stator


that is very much like a stator of hydro generator.

There are laminations of steel stacked inside a stator


frame.

Winding bars are configured into a three phase , four pole


arrangement.

The rotar also contain three phase ,four pole winding.

One grid is to the winding , while the other grid is


connected to the rotor.

The net effect is the circular transformer has been


produced , with winding separated by an airgap.

Cont..

In order to make the connections to the rotor and the


rotor to turn freely a slip ring arrangement is necessary.

The VFT contains a device known as the COLLECTOR.

The collector consist of three phases of brushes and


large copper slip rings

The number and size of the element of collector that the


full rating of the machine current can be transferred
continuously through the full range of speeds in either
direction ,including zero speed.

Also on the shaft of the VFT is a TORQUE MOTOR.

Cont..

This motor is used to align the rotor with respect to the stator
and maintain the rotation necessary bridge the difference in the
frequency of the two grids.

A motor and drive system are used to adjust the rotational


position of the rotor relative to the stator, thereby controlling
the magnitude and direction of the power flowing through the
VFT.

operation

Consider VFT connected to two asynchronous grids.

The two grids shall be called as grid-A ,grid-B.

when both the grids are operating at exactly same frequency ,say
50HZ,the rotor will stop.

If grid-A frequency slightly increases to 50.1Hz,while grid-Bs


frequency remains constant. The rotor of VFT will turn to allow for
this difference.

Because its four pole machine , it will be rotate at 3rpm.

Now the condition where grid-A frequency slow down to 49.9Hz


and grid-B still at 50Hz.the rotor will now be turning in the opposite
ditection at 3rpm.

The existing VFTs designed for the North American market have a
maximum operating speed of 90 rpm yielding a three hertz
maximum frequency delta.

OPERATIONAL
EXPERIENCE
Performance
factor (PF) :

The formula established to evaluate the VFT performance factor


was defined in the contract and is shown in (3).

Where MWh[real] is energy through the VFT and


MWh[sheduled ] is Energy scheduled on the VFT.

After the first three years of commercial operation, the


official performance factor of the Langlois VFT was 99.7%.

Cont..
Improved HVDC Performance :

More than one potential VFT customer has studied the


possibility of placing a VFT in parallel with an existing backto-back HVDC.

Studies have shown that a number of advantages could be


realized with such a hybrid interconnection.

Advantages include increased system stability, additional short


circuit strength, improved commutation, low power level
operation ,improved damping, and with the VFTs optional
black start feature, one grid could help black start the other

Cont..
Improved Range of Phase Angle Regulator :

The three VFTs are effectively in parallel with three PARs, all
moving power between two different control areas.

The result of paralleling the PARs is that the phase angle


between the two systems will be tightened through an
additional impedance path.

it actually improves the performance


characteristics of the closest PAR

Power flow

The power flow through a VFT behaves according to the


same rules as any AC circuit.

As in the case of phase angle regulator (PAR) control of


voltage angle can be an effective means of controlling power
flow between the two points.

Where,
V=sending end & receiving end voltages
( ) =difference in voltage angle
X=impedence between two points

Cont..

Because of VFTs unique construction simply turning on


one of the transformer winding with respect to another
can introduce of difference in phase angles there by
effective power flow.

The angle introduced in the rotor with respect to stator by


the torque motor is propotional to amount of torque
applied to shaft.

Electrical angle between rotar and


stator shown in figure.

One-Line diagram of a Variable Frequency Transformer


Interconnection.

advantages
Continuous

and no fixed set change

points
Response

for stability purposes

Simple

model for power system use

HVDC

alternative

Can

transfer power at different


frequencies

More

control of the real power flow

Disadvantages

Limits on maximum power flow capability

More lossy especially in reactive power losses

Works at low kV range so it needs step up/down


transformers

conclusion

The VFT has proven as a variable transmission technology.

It allows an ac connection to be made between


asynchronous ac grids for reliable and precise power
transfer.

It has helpful in stabilizing characterstics and does not


produce any hormonics or tersional threats.

The operation of VFT does not rely on grid strength for


operation and works well in weak grid conditions.

Therefore ,VFT represents an alternative technology that


may be used in INDIA as the view of electric power as a
bussiness emerges.

THANK YOU

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