Computer-Implemented Method for Configuring a Load Shedding Controller

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for configuring a load shedding controller. A method for configuring a load shedding controller for controlling a microgrid includes: providing a graphical user interface on a computer display, the graphical user interface including user-activatable graphical resources; providing a first graphical resource on the interface to assist a user in selecting a load shedding process to be performed by the load shedding controller when the microgrid is disconnected from the main grid; providing a second graphical resource on the interface to assist the user in listing the electrical loads of the microgrid; providing a third graphical resource on the interface to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for configuring grid operation parameters processed during execution of the selected load shedding process; providing a fourth graphical resource on the interface to assist the user in providing a second configuration value for configuring load operation parameters processed during execution of the selected load shedding process; checking whether the load shedding controller meets minimum operating requirements; and if so, transmitting configuration information including at least the first and second configuration values to the load shedding controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of distribution networks.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of configuring a load shedding controller adapted to control the operation of a microgrid when operating disconnected from the main grid. Background Art

[0003] As is well known, in the field of distribution networks, a microgrid is typically intended as a distribution system arranged and limited in a limited area.

[0004] In addition to various electrical loads, a microgrid typically also includes some power generators, such as, for example, solar panel plants, wind turbine plants, combined heat and power systems, ocean energy power generation systems, geothermal or biomass power generation systems, solar power generation, diesel power generation, fuel cells, etc.

[0005] In order to provide stable power to critical electrical loads, a microgrid may also include various energy storage units, such as, for example, capacitor banks, batteries, etc.

[0006] Typically, a microgrid is electrically connected to the main grid, such as an electric utility grid. In this case, the microgrid is typically said to operate in a "grid-connected mode".

[0007] However, in response to system requirements, abnormal situations (such as faults or power outages in the main grid) or user decisions, a microgrid can be electrically disconnected from the main grid (for example, by a suitably arranged circuit breaker) and operate in a so-called "island mode".

[0008] As is known, when a microgrid operates in island mode, its operating frequency and voltage may be affected by relevant transient phenomena that can quickly cause (for example, within a few tens of milliseconds) faults or power outages of electrical loads.

[0009] In addition, when a microgrid is disconnected from the main grid, the power provided by the generators installed in the microgrid may not be sufficient to supply all the connected electrical loads.

[0010] For the above reasons, in many technical solutions of the prior art, a dedicated load shedding controller (such as a digital relay) is installed, which is adapted to control the operation of a microgrid operating in island mode.

[0011] Typically, these controllers are capable of performing an appropriate load shedding process, so that when a microgrid operates in island mode, electrical loads of the microgrid are electrically connected or disconnected in a selective manner.

[0012] As is well known, the operation of a load shedding controller depends on a set of operating parameters (e.g., frequency thresholds, communication parameters, grid parameters, etc.) that are stored and appropriately processed during the execution of the load shedding process to control the operation of the microgrid.

[0013] Such operating parameters need to be appropriately set (or "configured" according to the widely used term) during the operating life of the load shedding controller, e.g., especially when the load shedding controller is installed on-site or during maintenance interventions.

[0014] Conventional technical solutions for configuring the operating parameters of a load shedding controller typically require time-consuming wiring activities to obtain its inputs and outputs, and intensive programming activities to model and set its functions.

[0015] All these activities generally require the intervention of professionals, significantly increasing the overall cost. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a method for setting the operating parameters of a load shedding controller that allows solving or alleviating the above-proven technical problems.

[0017] Within this objective, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a fast and efficient configuration of a load shedding controller.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that can even be easily performed by non-professional operators.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that can be easily implemented by a computer without using expensive processing resources.

[0020] These objectives and objects are achieved by a method for configuring a load shedding controller suitable for controlling a microgrid according to claim 1 and the related dependent claims below.

[0021] In general terms, the method according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0022] - Providing a graphical user interface on a computer display, the graphical user interface including graphical resources activatable by a user;

[0023] - Providing a first graphical resource on the graphical user interface to assist the user in selecting a load shedding process to be performed by the load shedding controller in response to the disconnection of the microgrid from the main grid;

[0024] - Providing a second graphical resource on the graphical user interface to assist the user in listing the electrical loads included in the microgrid;

[0025] - Provide a third graphical resource on the graphical user interface to assist a user in providing a first configuration value for grid operation parameters used to configure a load shedding controller, where the grid operation parameters are processed during execution of a selected load shedding process by the load shedding controller;

[0026] - Provide a fourth graphical resource on the graphical user interface to assist a user in providing a second configuration value for load operation parameters used to configure a load shedding controller, where the load operation parameters are processed during execution of a selected load shedding process by the load shedding controller;

[0027] - Check whether the load shedding controller meets minimum operation requirements;

[0028] - If the load shedding controller meets the minimum operation requirements, transmit configuration information including the first configuration value and the second configuration value to the load shedding controller.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second graphical resource includes a second graphical object and a third graphical object defining an electrical load of the microgrid. The second graphical object is activatable to upload the third graphical object on the graphical user interface. Each third graphical object identifies a corresponding electrical load of the microgrid, and each third graphical object is activatable to upload other graphical objects configured to assist the user in providing configuration values for setting the load operation parameters.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the third graphical resource includes a fourth graphical object and a fifth graphical object for setting a first grid operation parameter related to operation of the microgrid. The fourth graphical object is activatable to upload the fifth graphical object on the graphical user interface. The fifth graphical object is configured to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for setting the first grid operation parameter.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the third graphical resource includes a sixth graphical object and a seventh graphical object for setting a second grid operation parameter related to operation of at least an energy production plant included in the microgrid. The sixth graphical object is activatable to upload the seventh graphical object on the graphical user interface. The seventh graphical object is configured to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for setting the second grid operation parameter.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the third graphic resource includes an eighth graphic object and a ninth graphic object for setting third power grid operation parameters related to the operation of at least an emergency power generator included in the microgrid. The eighth graphic object is activatable to upload the ninth graphic object on the graphic user interface, and the ninth graphic object is configured to assist a user in providing a first configuration value for setting the third power grid operation parameters.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fourth graphic resource includes a tenth graphic object configured to assist a user in providing a second configuration value for setting the load operation parameters of each electrical load.

[0034] Preferably, when the third graphic object identifying the electrical load is activated, the tenth graphic object is uploaded on the graphic user interface.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of transmitting the configuration information to the load shedding controller includes the following steps:

[0036] - Receiving encoded information to enable the configuration information to be transmitted to the load shedding controller;

[0037] - Checking the encoded information;

[0038] - If the encoded information is correct, transmitting the configuration information to the load shedding controller.

[0039] Preferably, the configuration information is transmitted to the load shedding controller via an Internet or LAN or WAN communication line.

[0040] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program according to claim 10 below.

[0041] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a computerized device according to claim 11 below.

[0042] Preferably, the computerized device is configured to communicate with the load shedding controller via an Internet or LAN or WAN communication line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments, non-limiting examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a microgrid and a load shedding controller for controlling the microgrid;

[0045] - Figure 2Is a schematic diagram of a computerized device implementing the method of the present invention;

[0046] - Figures 3-9 Is a schematic diagram showing the steps of the method according to the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] Referring to the above-mentioned figures, the present invention relates to a method CFP for configuring a load shedding controller 1 capable of controlling the operation of a low-voltage or medium-voltage distribution microgrid 100.

[0048] Within the framework of the present invention, the term "low voltage" relates to operating voltages up to 1.2 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC, while the term "medium voltage" relates to operating voltages higher than 1.2 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC up to several tens of kV, for example, up to 72 kV AC and 100 kV DC.

[0049] The microgrid 100 can be a distribution network for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings or factories. As an example, it can have an average power consumption in the range of between 0.05 MW and 10 MW.

[0050] The microgrid 100 includes an electrically coupled node PoC (point of common coupling), at which it can be electrically connected or disconnected from the distribution main grid 200. The distribution main grid 200 can be an extended distribution network, such as an electric utility grid.

[0051] Generally, the microgrid 100 is electrically connected to the main grid 200 at the electrically coupled node PoC. However, in some cases (e.g., in the case of a power outage or a fault), the microgrid 100 can be electrically disconnected from the main grid 200 at the electrically coupled node PoC.

[0052] The microgrid 100 preferably includes at least a first switching device S1 (e.g., a circuit breaker), the operation of which can be controlled by a suitable control signal.

[0053] The switching device S1 can be controlled by the load shedding controller 1 or by a control device different from the load shedding controller 1.

[0054] When the switching device S1 is in the closed (ON) state, the microgrid 100 is electrically connected to the main grid 200 and operates in a grid-connected mode.

[0055] When the switching device S1 is in the open (OFF) state, the microgrid 100 is electrically disconnected from the main grid 200 at the electrically coupled node PoC and can operate in an island mode.

[0056] The microgrid 100 includes one or more electrical loads L1,..., L N, each electrical load consumes a corresponding amount of power provided by the microgrid 100.

[0057] As needed, the electrical loads L1,..., L N can be of any type.

[0058] Typically, the electrical loads L1,..., L N can be any device suitable for consuming a certain amount of power during operation.

[0059] As needed, the electrical loads L1,..., L N can be arranged on one or more grid branches.

[0060] In principle, as needed, the electrical loads L1,..., L N can be electrically connected or disconnected from the microgrid 100.

[0061] Conveniently, the microgrid 100 includes one or more second switching devices S2 for electrically disconnecting or connecting one or more electrical loads or one or more grid branches from the rest of the microgrid.

[0062] The second switching device S2 can include, for example, a circuit breaker, a contactor, an I-O interface, a switch, a disconnector, a communication interface, or other similar devices.

[0063] The operation of the switching device S2 can be controlled by the load shedding controller 1 in a known manner through appropriate control signals.

[0064] The microgrid 100 includes one or more generators G1,..., G M , which can be of any type and arranged as needed.

[0065] As an example, they can include a solar panel plant, a wind turbine plant, a combined heat and power system, an ocean energy power generation system, solar power generation, diesel power generation, geothermal or biomass power generation systems, fuel cells, capacitor banks, batteries, etc.

[0066] Preferably, the generators G1,..., G M include at least a solar power plant.

[0067] Preferably, the generators G1,..., G M include at least an emergency generator, which is adapted to supply power to the microgrid 100 only when the microgrid 100 is electrically disconnected from the main grid 200.

[0068] Advantageously, the microgrid 100 includes one or more third switching devices S3 for electrically disconnecting or connecting the generators (and possibly the energy storage unit) from the rest of the microgrid.

[0069] The third switching device S3 may include, for example, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a disconnecting switch, or other similar devices.

[0070] The operation of the switching device S3 can be controlled by the load shedding controller 1 in a known manner via appropriate control signals.

[0071] The load shedding controller 1 can be a computerized device installed on-site or at a remote location relative to the distribution microgrid 100.

[0072] As an example, the load shedding controller 1 can be a control and protection unit installed on a switching device or a digital relay for a power distribution network.

[0073] The load shedding controller 1 includes one or more inputs IN, at which it can receive input signals (e.g., data signals) from one or more devices included in the microgrid 100 (e.g., switching devices S1, S2, S3, electrical loads L1,..., L N or generators G1,..., G M or one or more sensing devices installed on-site).

[0074] The load shedding controller 1 includes one or more outputs OUT, at which it can provide output signals (e.g., control signals) to one or more devices included in the microgrid 100 (e.g., to the switching devices S1, S2, S3).

[0075] Conveniently, the load shedding controller 1 includes one or more communication ports 1A for communicating with one or more remote computerized devices via an Internet or LAN or WAN communication line. As an example, the communication port 1A can be a TCP or UDP port suitable for the Internet protocol suite.

[0076] Information can be transmitted via a suitable communication cable (e.g., Ethernet type) or a suitable antenna arrangement (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type).

[0077] As mentioned above, the load shedding controller 1 is adapted to control the operation of the microgrid 100.

[0078] For this purpose, the load shedding controller 1 conveniently includes computerized resources 10 (e.g., one or more microprocessors) configured to execute appropriate software instructions stored or storable in a storage medium (e.g., a memory).

[0079] Conveniently, the load shedding controller 1 is adapted to perform one or more load shedding processes LSP so as to selectively disconnect one or more disconnectable electrical loads L1, ..., L when the microgrid 100 is disconnected from the main grid 200 (more precisely, in response to the electrical disconnection of the microgrid 100 from the main grid 200). N are electrically connected to or disconnected from the microgrid 100.

[0080] The one or more load shedding processes LSP can be of a known type and will not be further described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0081] Examples of load shedding processes or procedures that can be performed by the load shedding controller 1 are disclosed in patent documents EP16181163 and EP1602531.

[0082] Obviously, in order to implement the one or more load shedding processes LSP, the computerized resources 10 of the load shedding controller 1 execute a suitable corresponding set of software instructions stored or storable in a storage medium.

[0083] As mentioned above, the method CFP according to the present invention is a method for configuring the load shedding controller 1.

[0084] In the framework of the present invention, "configuring" the load shedding controller 1 generally includes setting some operating parameters used by the load shedding controller to achieve its functions (in particular, performing the above-mentioned load shedding processes LSP).

[0085] Generally, the operating parameters can be set by providing suitable numerical or logical values (configuration values) to the load shedding controller 1 that can be stored and processed by the load shedding controller itself.

[0086] As will be apparent from the following, the method CFP according to the present invention is particularly suitable for implementation by a computerized device 50, and for the sake of clarity, the method CFP will be described hereinafter with particular reference to this type of implementation.

[0087] Generally, the computerized device 50 can be of any known type, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, etc.

[0088] According to the present invention, the computerized device 50 is provided with processing resources 51 (e.g., including one or more microprocessors) capable of executing software instructions stored or storable in a storage medium (e.g., the memory of the load shedding controller) to implement the configuration method CFP.

[0089] The computerized device 50 includes a display 52 driven by the processing resources 51 or operatively associated therewith.

[0090] Conveniently, the computerized device 50 has Internet or LAN or WAN communication capabilities.

[0091] For this purpose, it is equipped with one or more communication ports 54 (e.g., Ethernet or Bluetooth or Wi-Fi ports) for communicating with remote electronic devices via the Internet or LAN or WAN. As an example, the communication port 54 can be a TCP or UDP port suitable for the Internet protocol suite.

[0092] Information can be transmitted via a suitable communication cable (e.g., Ethernet type) or a suitable antenna arrangement (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type).

[0093] Conveniently, the computerized device 50 is capable of communicating with the load shedding controller 1 via an Internet or LAN or WAN communication line.

[0094] According to the present invention, method 100 includes the following steps: the computerized device 50 provides a graphical user interface 500 on the computer monitor 52 ( Figure 2 ).

[0095] The graphical user interface (GUI) 500 is a visual graphical environment including visual graphical resources 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (e.g., graphical icons, graphical windows, graphical cursors, visual indicators, visual menus, etc.) to assist the user in using the computerized device 50 to configure the load shedding controller 1.

[0096] Generally, the graphical resources 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are made available to assist the user in providing specific commands in the input to the computerized device 50 to perform corresponding actions or providing configuration information to configure the load shedding controller 1.

[0097] Conveniently, the graphical resources 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 can be activated according to known activation modes adopted in the computerized device, e.g., by clicking on the graphical resource with a mouse pointer (e.g., when the monitor 52 is a computer monitor or a laptop monitor) or by touching the corresponding interaction area of the monitor 52 (e.g., when the monitor 52 is a touch screen monitor).

[0098] Configuration information can be provided by the user in the input to the computerized device 50 according to known input modes adopted in the computerized device (e.g., by typing or activating dedicated graphical objects (graphical cursors, graphical icons, etc.)).

[0099] Preferably, the GUI 500 includes one or more configuration pages where the graphical resources 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are made available. Each configuration page can include one or more configuration sections where the above-mentioned graphical resources are displayed.

[0100] Preferably, the GUI 500 includes auxiliary graphic resources 15 (e.g., graphic buttons) on each configuration page to allow the user to browse different configuration pages, or save the configuration page to the memory of the computerized device 50 or upload the configuration page from the memory of the computerized device 50.

[0101] According to the present invention, the method CFP includes the following steps: providing a first graphic resource 11 on the GUI 500 to assist the user in selecting a load shedding process LSP to be performed by the load shedding controller 1 during the operating life of the microgrid 100 (more particularly, when the microgrid 100 is disconnected from the main grid 200).

[0102] Preferably, the first graphic resource 11 includes one or more first graphic objects 111 (e.g., graphic icons) automatically uploaded by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500 to guide the user in selecting an available load shedding process LSP to be performed by the load shedding controller 1 ( Figure 3 ).

[0103] By activation of the graphic object 111, the computerized device 50 receives, in the input, configuration data CD to be transmitted to the load shedding controller 1 together with other configuration values CF1, CF2.

[0104] Such configuration data will allow the load shedding controller 1 to retrieve a stored set of software instructions corresponding to the selected load shedding process LSP to be executed in response to the disconnection of the microgrid 100 from the main grid 200.

[0105] In Figure 3 the illustrative example, a given load shedding process is selected by clicking on the corresponding graphic icon LSD#1. Such a load shedding process will be executed by the load shedding controller 1.

[0106] According to the present invention, the method CFP includes the following steps: providing a second graphic resource 12 on the GUI 500 to assist the user in listing the electrical loads L1,..., L included in the microgrid 100 N .

[0107] Preferably, the second graphic resource 12 includes second and third graphic objects 121, 122 (e.g., graphic icons) available on the GUI 500 to define the electrical loads L1,..., L of the microgrid 100 N ( Figures 4-7 ).

[0108] The second graphical object 121 is automatically uploaded by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500. These graphical objects can be appropriately activated by the user to upload a third graphical object 122 on the GUI 500. Each graphical object 122 represents an electrical load L1, ..., L of the microgrid 100 N , and which in turn can be activated by the user to provide a set of second configuration values CF2 for configuring some operating parameters of the load shedding controller 1.

[0109] In Figure 4 the illustrative example of, the second graphical object 121 includes the graphical icon "Add New Load". By clicking on this graphical icon, the graphical icons "Load #1", "Load #2" and "Load #3" (third graphical objects 122) are uploaded on the GUI 500. Each of the said graphical icons represents an electrical load of the microgrid 100. As will be shown hereinafter, by clicking on each graphical icon "Load #1" - "Load #3", additional graphical objects are conveniently uploaded on the GUI 500 to configure the operating parameters of the load shedding controller 1 related to the operation of the corresponding electrical load represented by the said graphical icon 122.

[0110] According to the present invention, the method CFP includes the following steps: providing a third graphical resource 13 on the GUI 500 to assist the user in providing a first configuration value CF1 for configuring the grid operating parameters of the load shedding controller 1. The grid operating parameters are conveniently processed by the load shedding controller 1 to perform a load shedding process LSP ( Figures 5-7 ) previously selected using the first graphical resource 11 of the GUI 500.

[0111] With the aid of the third graphical resource 13, the user can provide the first configuration value CF1 in the input to the computerized device 50 to configure the grid operating parameters, which are generally related to the operation of the microgrid 100 and can be related to the operation of some specific generators of the microgrid 100.

[0112] Preferably, the third graphical resource 13 includes fourth and fifth graphical objects 131A, 131B available on the GUI 500 to set first grid operating parameters included in the grid parameters and related to the overall operation of the microgrid 100 ( Figure 5 ).

[0113] As an example, the first grid operating parameters can include the frequency and frequency threshold envisaged for the microgrid 100, input and output parameters for communicating with the switchgear S1, etc.

[0114] The fourth graphical object 131A is automatically provided by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500, and the fourth graphical object 131A can be appropriately activated by the user to upload the fifth graphical object 131B on the GUI 500.

[0115] Conveniently, the fifth graphical object 131B includes a graphical mask and / or a graphical cursor and / or a graphical menu, which can be used by the user to provide a suitable first configuration value CF1 for setting the first grid operation parameter in the input to the computerized device 50.

[0116] In Figure 5 the illustrative example, the fourth graphical object 131A includes a graphical icon G1, which can be clicked to upload a corresponding menu MG1 (the fifth graphical object 131B) on the GUI 500. The user can type the configuration value CF1 on a part of the graphical menu MG1 to set the above-mentioned first grid operation parameter.

[0117] Preferably, the third graphical resource 13 includes sixth and seventh graphical objects 132A, 132B available on the GUI 500 to set a second grid operation parameter ([ Figure 6 ) included in the grid parameters and related to the operation of at least an energy production plant (e.g., a solar plant) of the microgrid 100.

[0118] As an example, the second grid operation parameter may include one or more geographical data related to the location of the at least energy production plant.

[0119] The sixth graphical object 132A is automatically provided by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500, and the sixth graphical object 132A can be appropriately activated by the user to upload the seventh graphical object 132B on the GUI 500.

[0120] Conveniently, the seventh graphical object 132B includes a graphical mask and / or a graphical cursor and / or a graphical menu, which can be used by the user to provide a first configuration value CF1 for setting the second grid operation parameter in the input to the computerized device 50.

[0121] In Figure 6 the illustrative example, the sixth graphical object 132A includes a graphical icon G2, which can be clicked to upload a corresponding graphical menu MG2 (the seventh graphical object 132B) on the GUI 500. The user can type the configuration value CF1 on a part of the graphical menu MG2 to set the above-mentioned second grid operation parameter.

[0122] Of course, if the at least energy production plant is not included in the microgrid 100, the sixth graphical object 132A will not be activatable.

[0123] Preferably, the third graphic resource 13 includes eighth and ninth graphic objects 133A, 133B available on the GUI 500 to set a third power grid operation parameter included in the power grid parameters and related to the operation of at least the emergency generator of the microgrid 100( Figure 7 ).

[0124] As an example, the third power grid operation parameter may include data related to the output power provided by at least the emergency generator.

[0125] The sixth graphic object 133A is automatically provided by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500 and the sixth graphic object 133A can be appropriately activated by the user to upload the seventh graphic object 133B on the GUI 500.

[0126] Conveniently, the seventh graphic object 133B includes a graphic mask and / or a graphic cursor and / or a graphic menu, which can be used by the user to provide a first configuration value CF1 for setting the third power grid operation parameter in the input to the computerized device 50.

[0127] In Figure 7 a schematic example, the eighth graphic object 133A includes a graphic icon G3, which can be clicked to upload a corresponding graphic menu MG3 (ninth graphic object 133B) on the GUI 500. The user can type a configuration value CF1 on a part of the graphic menu MG3 to set the above-mentioned third power grid operation parameter.

[0128] Of course, if at least the generator is not included in the microgrid 100, the sixth graphic object 132A will not be activatable.

[0129] According to the present invention, the method CFP includes the following steps: providing a fourth graphic resource 14 on the GUI 500 to help the user provide a second configuration value CF2 for configuring the load operation parameter of the load shedding controller 1. The load operation parameter is conveniently processed by the load shedding controller 1 to perform the load shedding process LSP previously selected using the first graphic resource 11 of the GUI 500( Figures 8-9 ).

[0130] By means of the fourth graphic resource 14, the user can provide the second configuration value CF2 in the input to the computerized device 50 to configure the load operation parameter, which is generally related to the operation of the electrical loads L1,..., L N of the microgrid 100.

[0131] As an example, the first load operating parameter may include data related to the priority of the electrical load, the connection or disconnection of the electrical load, the estimated power consumption of the electrical load, input and output parameters for communicating with switchgear S2 operably associated with the electrical load, and the like.

[0132] Preferably, the fourth graphic resource 14 includes a tenth graphic object 141 for setting the load operating parameters of each electrical load L1, ..., L N thereof.

[0133] Preferably, the computerized device 50 uploads the tenth graphic object 141 on the GUI 500 in response to the activation of a third graphic object 122 identifying the corresponding electrical load L1, ..., L N thereof.

[0134] Conveniently, the tenth graphic object 141 includes a graphic mask and / or a graphic cursor and / or a graphic menu, which can be used by the user to provide a second configuration value CF2 for setting the load operating parameters in the input to the computerized device 50.

[0135] In Figure 8 a schematic example, the tenth graphic object 141 includes a graphic menu ML1 uploaded to the GUI 500 by clicking on a graphic icon load #1 (third graphic object 122) identifying the corresponding electrical load of the microgrid 100. The user can type the configuration value CF2 on a portion of the graphic menu ML1 to set the above-mentioned load operating parameters associated with such an electrical load.

[0136] In Figure 9 a schematic example, the tenth graphic object 141 includes a corresponding graphic menu uploaded to the GUI 500 by clicking on a graphic icon load #2 (third graphic object 122) identifying the corresponding electrical load of the microgrid 100. The user can type the configuration value CF2 on a portion of the graphic menu ML2 to set the above-mentioned load operating parameters associated with such an electrical load.

[0137] Conveniently, the user can save the configuration information provided in the input through the GUI 500 on the memory of the computerized device 50 by activating a suitable auxiliary graphic resource 15 (e.g., save button "Save").

[0138] According to the present invention, before transmitting the configuration information to the load shedding controller, method 100 includes the following step: the computerized device 50 checks whether the load shedding controller meets the minimum operating requirements.

[0139] This step is highly advantageous as it ensures that the configuration information is correctly transmitted to the load shedding controller 1 and thereby ensures that the controller is immediately operational once properly configured.

[0140] Preferably, after establishing communication with the load shedding controller 1 and querying the load shedding controller 1, the checking step is at least partially automatically performed by the computerized device 50.

[0141] If the above-mentioned checking step has not been successfully completed, an alert message is provided by the computerized device 50 on the GUI 500.

[0142] If the above-mentioned checking step is successfully completed, the configuration information can be transmitted to the load shedding controller 1 by activating the appropriate auxiliary graphical resource 15 (e.g., the download button "Transfer").

[0143] Correspondingly, the method 100 includes the following steps: the computerized device 50 transmits configuration information including at least the above-mentioned configuration data CD and configuration values CF1, CF2 to the load shedding controller 1.

[0144] After receiving the configuration data CD and configuration values CF1, CF2, the load shedding controller 1 can correctly set its operating parameters and start running.

[0145] Preferably, the configuration information is transmitted by the computerized device 50 to the load shedding controller 1 via the Internet or a LAN or WAN communication line.

[0146] Preferably, during the execution of the authentication process, the transmission of the configuration information to the load shedding controller 1 occurs.

[0147] Preferably, such an authentication process includes the following steps: the computerized device 50 receives encoded information so that the above-mentioned configuration information can be transmitted to the load shedding controller 1.

[0148] Such encoded information can be received from a memory support (e.g., a USB storage device) operably coupled to an input port (not shown) of the computerized device 50.

[0149] Alternatively, such encoded information can be received from a remote computer source communicating with the computerized device 50 via the Internet or a LAN or WAN.

[0150] However, other technical solutions are possible as needed.

[0151] Preferably, such an authentication process includes the following steps: the computerized device 50 checks the encoded information to control whether it is correct.

[0152] Preferably, such an authentication process includes the following steps: if the encoded information is correct, the computerized device 50 transmits the configuration information to the load shedding controller 1.

[0153] The method 100 according to the invention allows to fully meet the above-mentioned objectives and purposes.

[0154] The method allows the user to perform the configuration process of the load shedding controller 1 in an assisted manner, which has simple steps that can also be performed by a person with little experience in modeling a distribution network.

[0155] Therefore, the load shedding controller 1 can be configured in a fast and efficient manner with a limited error probability.

[0156] The method is particularly suitable for implementation by a computerized device that can communicate with the load shedding controller 1 via the Internet or a LAN or a WAN. This can avoid or reduce the need for wiring activities during the configuration process.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a load shedding controller (1) suitable for controlling a microgrid (100), the microgrid being capable of being electrically connected to or electrically disconnected from a main grid (200) and including one or more electrical loads (L1,..., L N ) and one or more generators (G1,..., G M ), the load shedding controller being capable of performing one or more load shedding processes in response to the microgrid being disconnected from the main grid, thereby selectively electrically connecting or disconnecting the electrical loads (L1,..., L N ) to or from the microgrid, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Provide a graphical user interface (500) on a computer monitor (52), the graphical user interface including a plurality of graphical resources (11, 12, 13, 14、15)； - Provide a first graphical resource (11) on the graphical user interface to assist a user in selecting a load shedding process to be executed by the load shedding controller; - Provide a second graphical resource (12) on the graphical user interface to assist the user in listing the electrical loads (L1,..., L N ) included in the microgrid; - Provide a third graphical resource (13) on the graphical user interface to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for configuring grid operation parameters to be processed during execution of the selected load shedding process by the load shedding controller; - Provide a fourth graphical resource (14) on the graphical user interface to assist the user in providing a second configuration value for configuring load operation parameters to be processed during execution of the selected load shedding process by the load shedding controller; - After establishing communication with the load shedding controller and querying the load shedding controller, check whether the load shedding controller meets a minimum operation requirement for operating with the first configuration value and the second configuration value; - If the load shedding controller meets the minimum operation requirement, transmit configuration information including at least the first configuration value and the second configuration value to the load shedding controller via a fifth graphical resource (15) on the graphical user interface; and - Controlling one or more of the electrical loads (L1, ..., L N ) based on the first configuration value and the second configuration value by using the load shedding controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second graphical resource (12) includes a second graphical object and a third graphical object (121, 122) for listing the electrical loads (L1, ..., L N ). The second graphical object can be activated to upload the third graphical object on the graphical user interface. Each third graphical object identifies a corresponding electrical load of the microgrid, and each third graphical object can be activated to upload other graphical objects configured to help the user provide a second configuration value for setting the load operating parameters.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third graphical resource (13) includes a fourth graphical object and a fifth graphical object (131A, 131B) for setting a first grid operation parameter related to the operation of the microgrid. The fourth graphical object can be activated to upload the fifth graphical object on the graphical user interface, and the fifth graphical object is configured to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for setting the first grid operation parameter.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third graphical resource (13) includes a sixth graphical object and a seventh graphical object (132A, 132B) for setting a second grid operation parameter related to the operation of at least an energy production plant included in the microgrid. The sixth graphical object can be activated to upload the seventh graphical object on the graphical user interface, and the seventh graphical object is configured to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for setting the second grid operation parameter.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The third graphical resource (13) includes an eighth graphical object and a ninth graphical object (133A, 133B) for setting a third grid operation parameter related to the operation of at least an emergency generator included in the microgrid. The eighth graphical object can be activated to upload the ninth graphical object on the graphical user interface, and the ninth graphical object is configured to assist the user in providing a first configuration value for setting the third grid operation parameter.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein The fourth graphical resource (14) includes a tenth graphical object (141), and the tenth graphical object (141) is configured to assist the user in providing a second configuration value for setting the load operation parameters of each electrical load.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the third graphical object (122) identifying the electrical load is activated, the tenth graphical object is uploaded to the graphical user interface.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of transmitting the configuration information to the load shedding controller comprises the following steps: - Receiving encoded information enabling the configuration information to be transmitted to the load shedding controller; - Checking the encoded information; - If the encoded information is correct, transmitting the configuration information to the load shedding controller.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The configuration information is transmitted to the load shedding controller via the Internet or a LAN or WAN communication line.

10. A computer program stored or capable of being stored in a storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program comprises software instructions which are configured to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 9 when executed by a computerized device (50).

11. A computerized device (50), characterized in that, The computerized device (50) is configured to execute software instructions to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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