Multiplexing Power Converters for Cost-Effective and Flexible Soft Open Points

The feasible set of real powers that can be transferred by a three-terminal Soft Open Point (SOP) can be increased by selecting non-uniform power ratings for each of the three ac/dc legs of the SOP, then connecting a multi-terminal switch (multiplexer) to the ac side of each of those converters to facilitate reconfiguration. This paper generalizes this concept, considering the real and reactive power that n multiplexed ac/dc converters can transfer at an m-feeder bus. The performance of the device is studied numerically for a number of ac/dc sizing strategies through the volume of the feasible set of power transfers (the `capability chart volume', CCV) and distribution system loss reduction benefits (as an exemplar network service). Upper bounds on device performance are defined by considering the performance of a novel, idealised SOP consisting of a continuum of infinitesimal reconfigurable converters. Results demonstrate that the CCV can be more than doubled, with 99% of the relative performance improvement of the idealised converter achieved with designs consisting of as few as four converters. SOP equipment costs reductions of 24% are reported, with it concluded that reconfigurable, judiciously sized ac/dc legs can yield flexible and lower cost SOPs than conventional, hard-wired approaches.