Method and system for configuring electrical network

Abstract

A method of configuring a microgrid includes: receiving a configuration input from an operator, the configuration input including an expected bus fabric, a plurality of energy resource data, and an energy resource priority; classifying assets and asset groups based on the plurality of energy resource data; and generating a microgrid configuration based on the one or more configuration inputs, the microgrid configuration providing automated operation of the microgrid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to control of electrical grids and, more particularly, to systems and methods for configuring and automatically operating microgrids. Background Art

[0002] Microgrids have emerged as a possible solution to the stability, reliability, and sustainability issues of power systems. Generally speaking, a microgrid is a localized energy system (e.g., for a local work site or other site) that integrates various distributed energy assets (or just "assets" or "resources") (e.g., photovoltaic (PV) assets, wind turbines, energy storage systems and devices (ESS), and backup generators (gensets)) to operate connected to or independently of the main power grid (e.g., powered by an electric utility). Microgrids provide benefits such as improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, enhanced resilience, and increased utilization of renewable energy resources.

[0003] Although they have many potential advantages, it may be challenging to configure microgrids for operation and then operate them. A major challenge is to configure microgrids to optimize performance (i.e., optimized operation of microgrids). Due to the individual, unique energy requirements and other aspects of the site and competing economic, environmental and regulatory priorities, it may be difficult to ensure effective energy management of any particular microgrid. Operators must carefully balance supply and demand within the system according to requirements and priorities. Achieving this balance requires advanced control strategies and complex algorithms to coordinate the operation of multiple assets that provide power to multiple dynamic loads in real time. Factors affecting operation may include power generation capacity, load demand, storage capacity and grid connectivity. In addition, microgrids can be configured and operated based on site-specific requirements for connectivity, sustainability and availability of electricity. Each site that requires a microgrid may also require customized or dedicated software for these site-specific requirements, which may be expensive and time-consuming.

[0004] Prior art in microgrid technology includes approaches to addressing the challenges described above. For example, U.S. Patent No. 11,128,141 ("the '141 patent") describes a control system for a microgrid for generating and distributing power from multiple power sources. According to the reference, the system is for generating and distributing power from multiple production sources of different types, the system prioritizing the sources based on demand and set points. However, the reference does not mention anything about optimizing the power range of one or more assets or groups of assets or configuring the microgrid based on site-specific requirements.

[0005] The system and method for configuring an electric grid of the present invention may solve one or more of the above problems and / or other problems in the art. However, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and not by the ability to solve any specific problem. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, a method for configuring a microgrid includes: receiving configuration input from an operator, the configuration input including an expected bus structure, multiple energy resource data, and energy resource priorities; classifying assets and asset groups based on the multiple energy resource data; and generating a microgrid configuration based on the one or more configuration inputs, the microgrid configuration providing automatic operation of the microgrid.

[0007] In another aspect, a configurable microgrid includes an electrical bus, the electrical bus including: a plurality of assets configured to provide electrical energy to the configurable microgrid; at least one electrical load for receiving electrical energy from the configurable microgrid; an interface for receiving one or more configuration inputs; and a system controller including a processor and a memory storing one or more instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the configurable microgrid to: receive configuration inputs from an operator, the configuration inputs including a desired bus structure, a plurality of energy resource data, and energy resource priorities; classify assets and asset groups based on the plurality of energy resource data; and generate a microgrid configuration based on the one or more configuration inputs, the microgrid configuration providing automatic operation of the microgrid.

[0008] On the other hand, a method for configuring a microgrid includes: receiving configuration input from an operator, the configuration input including an expected bus structure, an automatic operation mode input, a load type input, an asset type attribute input, an asset group and set point input, an asset priority input, and a tie breaker status input; classifying assets and asset groups based on the configuration input; and generating a microgrid configuration based on the one or more configuration inputs, the microgrid configuration providing automatic operation of the microgrid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a configurable microgrid according to one or more aspects shown and described herein.

[0011] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A specific example of a configurable microgrid.

[0012] Figure 1C Yes, you can Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an exemplary energy resource group on a configurable microgrid.

[0013] Figure 2 It is used to control Figure 1A Controller for configurable microgrid.

[0014] Figure 3 is a method for configuring microgrids (such as Figure 1A Flowchart of various aspects of a method for a microgrid).

[0015] Figure 4 Such as Figure 1A An exemplary display of a microgrid schematic diagram of a configurable microgrid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the claimed features. In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, relative terms (e.g., "about," "substantially," and "approximately," etc.) are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in the stated values.

[0017] Figure 1A An exemplary microgrid configuration system 10 for a microgrid 100 that needs to be configured is depicted. The microgrid 100 includes exemplary assets and loads (or "sources" and "sinks", respectively), which are configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical bus 1 102, an electrical bus 2 104, and an electrical bus 3 106. The electrical buses 102, 104, 106 are each isolated from each other and can be closed or opened to form any architecture. The microgrid 100 can be configured to be powered by a facility grid 110 and any number of local energy resource groups. As shown, the microgrid 100 includes a first energy resource group 112a, a second energy resource group 112b, a third energy resource group 114a, a fourth energy resource group 114b, a fifth energy resource group 116a, an Nth energy resource group 112c, an Nth energy resource group 114c, and an Nth energy resource group 116b. The use of an Nth energy resource group herein is intended to symbolize that the number and composition of energy resource groups on any given bus may vary in number and type, and that embodiments are not limited to the features shown in the exemplary figures of this application.

[0018] Each of the energy resource groups (or "sources", "resources") may have one or more electrical assets incorporated therein. In some embodiments, the energy resource group will have one type of energy resource within the energy resource group or may have multiple types of energy resources within the group, and will be classified and used based on the type of assets within the group. For example, the energy resource group may include all renewable energy sources, renewable and non-renewable assets, all energy storage assets, energy storage assets, and non-energy storage assets, etc. Assets may include, but are not limited to, facility grids (e.g., utility grids), photovoltaic (PV) systems, fuel cell assets, wind turbine assets, generator sets, energy storage systems (ESS) (e.g., batteries), and other types of electrical assets. As used herein, the term "asset" generally refers to a power source, and each of the energy resource groups may be an individual asset or asset group with a common property (e.g., asset type or operating characteristics). For example, an energy resource group may include multiple PV cells, multiple wind turbines, etc. Assets may provide active power and / or reactive power. Each of the electrical buses may have any combination of energy resource assets associated therewith. For example, electrical bus 1 102 may have renewable energy resources, non-renewable energy resources, electrical grids, energy storage assets, and other energy resources associated therewith in various energy resource groups.

[0019] Additionally, microgrid 100 may include various loads on each bus. For example, first electrical bus 104 may include first load 120 and Nth load 122, second electrical bus 104 may include third load 124 and Nth load 126, and third electrical bus 106 may include fifth load 128 and Nth load 129. The use of "Nth" herein to describe a load represents that load and may vary in number and type on any given bus.

[0020] As used herein, an electrical load (or "sink") generally refers to any equipment or other feature of a work site that is configured to receive electrical power. For example, a load may be a piece of heavy machinery (e.g., an electrified truck, etc.), an electric turbine, an ESS, or other item or equipment that requires electrical power. A load may require active power and / or reactive power.

[0021] In addition, although Figure 1A / 1B is depicted as including three buses, but it should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes microgrids having different numbers and types of assets and loads.

[0022] Energy resource groups (or "asset groups"), loads, and circuit breakers may be controlled at least in part by one or more controllers. The microgrid 100 may have a system controller 130 that may be capable of controlling one or more of the energy resource groups, loads, or other components of the microgrid 100. For example, in some embodiments, the system controller 130 may control one or more circuit breakers 160a-160n to open or close the circuit breakers to place energy resource groups and / or loads on the microgrid 100. In addition, the system controller 130 may control the opening or closing of one or more tie breakers 162a, 162b, 162c to open or close the tie breakers between the respective buses to electrically connect the buses. Each of the buses 102, 104, 106 may form its own power grid when isolated from the other buses. In addition, two of the buses in the bus may form a power grid separated from another bus. The system controller 130 may be connected to the backend 138 via a network 140 (e.g., a cloud network).

[0023] A plurality of circuit breakers 160a-160n selectively connect buses, electrical assets, and electrical loads. A circuit breaker can be a circuit breaker that connects two buses or portions of an electrical bus that serve different power sources or different electrical buses. When closed, current can pass between them in either direction, flowing from source to sink. Each circuit breaker is associated with two electrical buses or portions of buses that are connected to it. For example, buses 102 and 104 can be connected, but 104 and 106 are not connected, nor are 102 and 106 connected. In this form, buses 102 and 104 will form part of a microgrid, and electrical bus 106 will form a separate part. In this case, one of the energy resource group controllers on buses 102 and 104 (e.g., energy resource group controller 132) can be used as a microgrid controller for the portion formed by the two buses, and the energy resource group controller on bus 106 can be used as a microgrid controller for the portion formed by bus 106. A separate portion can also be controlled by other controllers (e.g., system controller 130) connected to the bus.

[0024] The microgrid system controller 130 can communicate at the energy resource group controller level, or can communicate with individual asset controllers. The system controller 130 can be located anywhere. For example, the system controller 130 can be located on-site (e.g., in the backend 138) or remotely. The backend 138 may include one or more interfaces for an operator to enter configuration inputs to configure the microgrid. In some embodiments, the backend 138 may also receive operational inputs and provide an interface to view one or more configuration or operational outputs (e.g., on a display configured to display the monitor microgrid operation).

[0025] The network 140 may be, for example, a wired or wireless network, Wi-Fi, or a cellular network including multiple inter-communication devices (e.g., modems, Wi-Fi, cellular devices, etc.). The network 140 may include one or more satellites and one or more ground stations (e.g., backend 138), where the ground stations may be configured to wirelessly communicate to send and receive data from the satellites.

[0026] Figure 1B A particular embodiment of a microgrid 100' is depicted, which includes particular energy resource groups, including a generator group 112a', a photovoltaic group 112b', an Nth energy resource group 112c', a fuel cell group 114a', an ESS group 114b' and an Nth energy resource group 114c', a facility grid group 116a' and an Nth energy resource group 116b'. Figure 1B The use of specific types of assets and Nth assets on the electrical buses 102, 104, and 106 of the present invention is intended to illustrate that the bus can utilize any type or number of assets on the bus, and the embodiments are not limited to Figure 1B The embodiment shown in .

[0027] refer to Figure 1A and 1C , the energy resource groups (or “energy resource groups”) and loads may be controlled at least in part by one or more local controllers, which may be communicatively coupled to the system controller 130. For example, the system controller 130 may control the local controllers, e.g. Figure 1C Energy resource group controller 132. Figure 1C The energy resource group controller 132 is Figure 1A and 1B The present invention is exemplary of any one of the energy resource groups of FIG. 1 , and the features shown may be applicable to other energy resource groups.

[0028] Figure 1C The relationship between the system controller 130 and the individual energy resource group controllers is shown. Specifically, Figure 1C The interrelationship between the system controller 130 and the second energy resource group 112b controller 132 is shown, but the operating principles between the system controller 130 and the energy resource group controller 132 are applicable to other energy resource group controllers and those of the Nth energy resource group. In order to configure the microgrid for operation, the system controller 130 must identify the bus, groups of assets and loads, and individual assets and loads according to their asset / load types and other factors. Figure 1C One example of a system for identifying and assigning identification tags to individual assets within a group of assets is shown.

[0029] exist Figure 1C, the second energy resource group 112b includes a first asset 142, a second asset 144, and an Nth asset 146, which may have individual asset controllers 148, 150, 152, respectively. To configure the microgrid, assets may be grouped according to the type of energy resources required for a particular site. For example, energy resource groups on any given bus may include assets of the same type (e.g., having similar characteristics and capabilities) or different types. Assets may then be identified using, for example, serial numbers. Reference Figure 1A and 1C , assets may be serialized based on the bus and energy resource group to which they belong. For example, for an asset on electrical bus 1 102, the asset may be given the name "1" (or any other character) in its named bus number. For an asset in the second energy resource group 112b, the asset may receive a "2" in the energy resource group number. The assets may then be serialized based on their bus and group numbers. Thus, for a first asset on the first bus 102 and in the second energy resource group 112b, the asset may be serialized 1.2.1, then 1.2.2, and so on up to 1.2.N.

[0030] Loads may be similarly serialized in the microgrid configuration and control system and tracked based on their serialized nomenclature. Similarly, tie breakers may be serialized and tracked so that tie breakers can be identified and controlled to open and close breakers. Tie breakers between individual assets or loads or groups of energy resources or loads may be opened or closed to the electrical bus by resource groups or individual resource controllers individually or based on a request from the system controller 130.

[0031] Figure 2The system controller 130 is depicted in more detail. The system controller 130 can receive inputs 202 and generate outputs 204 to various modules including a microgrid configuration module 222 and a microgrid control module 226. The inputs 202 can include configuration inputs and operational inputs. The configuration inputs can include an expected bus structure input 206, an automatic operation mode input 208, a load type input 210, an asset type attribute input 212, an energy resource group and set point input 214, an asset priority input 216, and a tie breaker state input 217. The operational inputs can include a microgrid configuration output from the microgrid configuration module 222, an operation mode input 218, and a sensed operation parameter input 220. In general, the inputs 202 can be generated by a system operator (human), for example, at the backend 138 or remotely, or some inputs can be generated and / or determined by the system controller 130 itself. In some embodiments, the system controller, grouped asset controllers, or individual asset controllers can be on-site, outdoors or indoors (offices), or remotely connected via a network. The input may be input using, for example, a human machine interface (HMI), and may be input in response to a question prompt from the system controller 130. In addition, it should be noted that although Figure 1C A single controller is depicted, but the functionality described with respect to system controller 130 may be distributed among multiple controllers.

[0032] The system controller 130 may include memory, auxiliary storage, and a processor, such as a central processing unit, a network interface, or any other device for completing tasks consistent with the present invention. The memory or auxiliary storage associated with the system controller 130 may store data and software to allow the system controller 130 to perform its functions, including the functions described below with respect to the method 400 and the functions of the microgrid configuration and control system described herein. One or more of the devices or systems communicatively coupled to the system controller 130 may be communicatively coupled via a wired or wireless network, such as the Internet, a local area network, WiFi, Bluetooth, or any combination of suitable network arrangements and protocols.

[0033] The microgrid configuration module 222 may include an asset detail library 224 and a microgrid control module 226. The outputs 204 may be configuration outputs and operational outputs, and may include configuration outputs of a display of a microgrid schematic 228, outputs of the microgrid configuration 223 itself, and operational outputs may include one or more microgrid commands 230 that may generally cause the microgrid to make one or more changes to its structure, as discussed in greater detail herein.

[0034] The system controller 130 may control the system to operate in one of a number of general operating modes. General operating modes may include, but are not limited to, "off," "out of control," "manual control," and "automatic control." In the automatic control mode, the system controller 130 may receive one or more system inputs 202 to generate outputs 204 to configure and operate the microgrid 100 under automatic control.

[0035] The configuration input and asset detail library 224 can be combined with the configuration software in the microgrid configuration module 222 to create a specific microgrid configuration for a specific microgrid setting at a work site. This can allow a user to set up and / or configure a microgrid for operation quickly without requiring any specialized software specific to a specific work site.

[0036] The expected bus structure input 206 is used to define the expected structure of one or more buses of the microgrid 100. The input may include data related to, for example, the number of assets and loads associated with each bus, how the buses are connected to each other, and other information. The input may include information about the bus, such as the total amount of power available on the bus (e.g., based on the power availability of a given asset (e.g., a generator set on the bus) and the number of given assets available on the bus (e.g., five available generator sets × 100 kW each = 500 kW available)). In some embodiments, the bus structure input 206 may include parameters related to transient load reserves, which may refer to the amount of power available in reserve in the event of a significant transient, a list of load breakers associated with the bus structure, the load type of each breaker on a particular bus, the energy resource groups associated with the bus and the assets within each group, individual asset parameters of the assets on the bus, the asset type of each energy resource group, and input from a power meter associated with the bus.

[0037] The automatic operation mode input 208 may be an operation mode input that places the microgrid 100 in an automatic operation mode that prioritizes one or more aspects of microgrid operation based on the specific needs of an operator (e.g., a customer) of the microgrid 100. The operator's needs may generally be based on costs and other factors associated with the planned operation of the microgrid. The automatic operation mode input 208 may have multiple mode settings, for example, giving the operator a quick ability to set an operation mode for the entire microgrid that may prioritize the operation of various assets and loads on the grid.

[0038] Modes may include, but are not limited to, renewable energy penetration mode, economic mode, emission mode, optimized resilience mode, and redundant mode. In renewable energy penetration mode, the microgrid may be configured so that, with all other factors being equal, renewable energy resources (e.g., PV cells, wind turbines, etc.) are used for maximum power generation for loads at the site. That is, the percentage share of power generated by renewable assets is maximized compared to the power generated by all assets. In economic mode, the microgrid may be configured so that, with all other factors being equal, the microgrid operates at the lowest energy production cost (e.g., using ESS as a power source to reduce the cost of power supplied by the utility grid, etc.). In optimized resilience mode, the microgrid may be operated so that, for example, assets can be quickly added to the microgrid 100 (e.g., assets can be operated in standby mode without being completely shut down, etc.). In redundant mode, additional assets may be placed on the microgrid that are strictly required by the load level on the microgrid. For example, if a redundant power source (e.g., nuclear coolant pumps, etc.) is required for a given load, this mode may be required.

[0039] The load type input 210 can be based on the type of load required for a given microgrid. For example, if the microgrid will include loads with large reactive power or large active power draw. Load types can be defined globally for the entire site or microgrid and can include inherent attributes and application specific attributes. In some embodiments, the load type input 210 can sort the loads within the hierarchy according to the criticality of the load. For example, the loads can be sorted according to priority as most critical (listed as "1" in some embodiments), necessary (listed as "2" in some embodiments), important but deferrable (listed as "3" in some embodiments), and optional (listed as "4" in some embodiments).

[0040] The asset type attribute input 212 may be energy resource data based on one or more asset specific parameters related to the operation of the asset. For example, the rated load or rated load range of the asset (minimum / maximum power), the expected load or expected load range of the asset (minimum / maximum expected power), the optimal load or optimal load range of the asset or other asset attributes (minimum / maximum "sweet spot" range). The asset type attribute input 212 may include attributes such as whether the asset is a quick add asset and the threshold for quick adding or adding the asset to the grid. If the asset is a quick add asset, it can be added to the grid without the need for an explicit set point, a feature that can be used to quickly increase grid resilience and / or redundancy of the asset.

[0041] Other aspects of the asset type attribute input 212 may include whether the asset is a grid forming asset or a grid following asset. Grid forming assets are typically those assets that can provide sufficient active and reactive power at sufficient levels to maintain the desired frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) and voltage on the formed microgrid during the largest electrical transients of the individual grids. Grid following assets may be those assets that are not capable of maintaining frequency and voltage but can still provide power to the grid, particularly when placed on the grid in an auxiliary capacity. Typically, if a utility is connected to a microgrid, the utility will form the grid, but this is not required. Other grid forming assets include generator sets and ESS, taking into account the sufficient state of charge (SOC) of the ESS. Grid following assets may include renewable energy resources (due to their inherent intermittent nature) and ESS that do not have sufficient SOC.

[0042] Other aspects of the asset type attribute input 212 may include whether the asset is a primary or backup asset, whether the asset is allowed to operate alone on the bus or whether it must operate redundantly, and how long the asset can take to come online. In some embodiments, the asset type attribute input 212 may include characteristics of the asset, such as total operating hours, health status, and energy estimation status.

[0043] The energy resource group and set point inputs 214 may be energy resource data that may be defined at the power bus level, and as described above, each microgrid may include multiple buses. Within an energy resource group, there may be individual assets with their own individual identifiers (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1C 150, 152 of the individual asset controllers 148, 150, 152). At any given site, there may be energy resource groups with the same type of assets, and the energy resource groups and set point inputs may distinguish energy resource groups of the same asset type (e.g., two different groups of generator sets at the same site). Control of the same group of assets may be via the energy resource group controller, and not all assets of the same type will be in the same group. That is, there may be more than one energy resource group controller for different groups of assets of the same type. In addition, the set points of individual assets and / or energy resource groups may be different across different individual assets or energy resource groups, even if the individual assets or energy resource groups have the same asset type. The set points of different groups may vary from group to group, or from bus to bus, or from day to day at the same site. In some embodiments, priorities may be specified globally at the group level rather than the type level, but in some embodiments, priorities may be specified at the type level for easier setup / management, which may require some additional costs.

[0044] The asset priority input 216 may be an energy resource priority and may be based on a priority order of various assets of the microgrid determined according to operator requirements. The asset priority input 216 may be used to sort the assets in the order of priority of being placed on the grid to provide power thereto. The operator of the microgrid may prefer to configure the grid so that assets of a certain type or with specific characteristics take precedence over other assets. For example, renewable assets may take precedence over non-renewable energy resources based on, for example, requirements for cost reduction or regulatory requirements for higher penetration of renewable energy resources. In some embodiments, the asset priority input 216 may include a cost function graph for each asset and / or asset type. The cost function graph may generally give the cost of operating an asset on a microgrid based on various factors (e.g., time of day, total load of the microgrid, type of asset, fuel used by the asset, and other factors). In an embodiment, the cost function graph may be updateable based on one or more external connections so that when the cost of various energy resources or other factors changes, the cost function may change accordingly. Typically, assets may be operated to minimize costs, but this is only one factor, and the microgrid may be configured to operate based on other factors that take precedence over the cost of any given asset or the entire microgrid 100.

[0045] The tie breaker status input 217 can be used as an input to provide information related to the state of electrical switches to the microgrid configuration module 222, which connect various loads and energy resources on or available to the microgrid. The tie breaker status input 217 can indicate whether any particular breaker is openable, closable, open or closed. For example, the tie breaker status input 217 can have an input about a tie breaker between an individual energy resource and any one of an energy resource group, a facility grid, or any individual or load group. In some embodiments, the tie breaker state (i.e., open or closed) can also be an input to the control module instead.

[0046] As described above, the microgrid configuration module includes an asset detail library that can supplement the configuration input and / or provide some or all of the specific configuration input. The asset detail library 224 may include asset and load attributes (e.g., nameplate details related to the characteristics (e.g., number of phases, rated operating voltage, service load, efficiency, insulation class, etc.) and performance of the equipment (e.g., motor)). The library may be a standard across different microgrids, or may be programmed individually for a specific grid. For example, an operator may program a microgrid for a given site based on the assets and loads at the site. In some embodiments, the asset detail library 224 may be programmed before forming a microgrid and / or setting up a site. Typically, the features of a site specific to it will be maintained in the asset detail library 224 and updated for a specific site. In addition, the asset detail library may include one or more libraries of predefined microgrid configurations, providing standardized settings or previously optimized configurations for specific applications or scenarios. The assets and loads contained in the library may be fully customizable, repeatable, and adaptable to various conditions. In addition, the library may be formed and stored by an operator based on the configuration input 202.

[0047] Based on the bus structure input 206, the automatic operation mode input 208, the load type input 210, the asset type attribute input 212, the energy resource group and set point input 214, the asset priority input 216, the tie breaker status input 217 and the asset detail library 224, the microgrid configuration module 222 can generate a microgrid configuration 223, which can be a module output, which can be used as an input to the microgrid control module 226 for controlling the microgrid during microgrid automatic operation, as explained in more detail herein.

[0048] Once the microgrid configuration 223 has been created, operation of the microgrid can begin based on the operational inputs 218, 220. The operational mode input 218 may include an operational mode for the microgrid 100 and may be input by an operator of the microgrid 100 based on a desired operational mode. The operator may input the operational mode using an I / O device (e.g., a touch screen) or other device. As described above, the operational modes may include, but are not limited to, "off," "not in control," "manual," and "automatic."

[0049] The sensed operational parameter inputs 220 may be parameters generated by the startup and operation of the microgrid 100 (e.g., bus voltage, bus frequency, power factor, etc.) and / or feedback from the microgrid 100 itself based on real-time aspects and its operation. For example, various loads may be started and / or stopped on the microgrid 100 during operation of the microgrid 100, and aspects of additional loads or load losses may be sensed and used as inputs to the microgrid controller. In some embodiments, the sensed operational parameter inputs 220 may include a net load calculation from all of the various loads on the microgrid.

[0050] Based on the operating mode input 218, the sensed operating parameter input 220, and the microgrid configuration 223 provided by the microgrid configuration module 222, the system controller 130 can generate one or more microgrid commands 230 to control the microgrid 100 (e.g., close a circuit breaker to connect one or more loads, open a circuit breaker to reduce a load, etc.). In an embodiment, the output of the system controller 130 can be appropriately sent to one or more energy resource group controllers or individual asset controllers to be suitable for locally controlling energy resource groups (e.g., energy resource groups 112, 114, 116) or individual assets (e.g., assets 142, 144, 146).

[0051] Industrial Applicability

[0052] The disclosed aspects of the systems and methods for configuring the microgrid of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any suitable microgrid or grid system. The disclosed system can be used, for example, in any microgrid site to configure the microgrid for operation and automatically operate the microgrid.

[0053] Figure 3 A method of configuring a microgrid and operating the microgrid based on the configuration 223 is shown. It should be understood that Figure 3 The method described in is exemplary, and other steps of the method may be added or subtracted without departing from the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0054] At step 402, the system controller 130 may receive configuration inputs 202 from an operator and / or an asset detail library 224. The configuration inputs may include bus structure inputs 206, automatic operation mode inputs 208, load type inputs 210, asset type attribute inputs 212, energy resource group and set point inputs 214, and asset priority inputs 216. As described above, the configuration inputs may be received from an operator (via input) and / or via Figure 2The asset details library 224 is retrieved from a pre-existing library. The operator may also provide information via inputs, such as desired energy generation sources, load requirements, storage capacity, and connection preferences. Asset attributes may include information such as whether the asset is an energy storage asset, a hybrid energy storage asset, a renewable energy resource, a non-energy storage asset, an intermittent asset, the asset's fuel source or fuel type (e.g., diesel, natural gas, biomass, hydrogen, a blend, etc.), whether the asset is renewable, whether the asset is clean or zero emission, whether the asset is grid capable, whether the asset is an inverter-based source, and other inherent attributes of the asset. The configuration inputs 206-217 serve as the basis for generating the microgrid configuration 223.

[0055] At step 404, a microgrid configuration 223 may be generated based on the configuration inputs 206-217. In an embodiment, the configuration inputs 206-217 may be combined with configuration software stored in the configuration module 222, and in some embodiments, with the library details 224, to generate the microgrid configuration 223. The process may be performed in the microgrid configuration module 222, and involves analyzing the configuration inputs 206-217 to determine the optimal arrangement and settings of the microgrid components, including any assets that may be connected to the microgrid, such as PV assets, wind turbines, ESS, and generator sets. The microgrid configuration 223 includes the assets and loads on each bus, and buses may be assigned as grid forming, and other buses may be assigned as grid following and / or grid enhancing. For example, in an embodiment where a facility grid is connected to a microgrid, assets on a bus connected to a bus hosting the microgrid may enter a grid following mode because the facility grid may be assumed to operate at an ideal frequency and potential even in the face of large transients. However, in a grid configured for operation without connection to a facility grid, an asset configured in a microgrid that is capable of forming a grid (i.e., having a grid forming attribute) may be selected as a grid forming asset. For example, a generator set may be selected as a grid forming asset. The generator set may be selected as a grid forming asset based on the relatively robust ability of the generator set to control the potential and frequency on the microgrid as compared to, for example, a group of PV systems that may lose the ability to form a grid based on the loss of light.

[0056] When configuring a microgrid, the system can first identify multiple buses and assign a name to each bus. Figure 1CIn the exemplary embodiment shown, the bus can be serialized using three digits (e.g., "X.1.1") in the first position. The bus structure forms the skeleton of the microgrid, and each bus is bound to the grid through one or more circuit breakers. The circuit breaker is then determined within the system. The circuit breaker may have a separate controller, or may be controlled by a controller on the energy resource group controller or an asset controller near the circuit breaker. In the case of assigning and separating the bus based on the connecting circuit breaker, the system can determine the number and type of assets on each bus and where the energy resource group resides on each of the buses. In some embodiments, the system can serialize each asset or energy resource group. In some embodiments, the type of asset can be obvious based on the name and / or sequence assigned to the asset. For example, the name of the asset in the system can include one or more details about the asset (e.g., whether the asset is intermittent, whether the asset is renewable, the type of fuel, etc.). The system can then lay out the load group for each bus. The system can determine the number of loads and the type of loads (e.g., load types 1, 2, 3, or 4 as described above) for any given bus.

[0057] At step 406, a microgrid schematic diagram may be generated for display. The microgrid schematic diagram may include each of the loads, assets, connections, and circuit breakers of the power grid in a visually understandable form, which may be presented to the operator of the microgrid so that he or she can determine whether the microgrid is operating correctly, whether any action needs to be taken on the microgrid, etc. In some embodiments, each asset, load, and other feature of the power grid may have a representative icon. The feature icon may be stored in an image library and displayed to the user. The microgrid schematic diagram may be dynamic and change as the microgrid operates. In some embodiments, the microgrid schematic diagram may be automatically updated when the microgrid operates, and may reflect the desired operating conditions, the current actual operating conditions, or both. For example, the display may display the characteristics of an asset (individual or group) or a load, such as, for example, the current active power, reactive power, and / or power factor of each asset and / or load on the display. In an embodiment, each bus may be displayed as active along with its status, and the voltage and frequency on each bus may be displayed. In an embodiment, the microgrid schematic diagram may be used by a user to manipulate the microgrid via, for example, an input / output device (e.g., a touch screen).

[0058] Figure 4 An exemplary microgrid schematic diagram is shown on display 502. The microgrid schematic diagram may be displayed, for example, Figure 1A502 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary microgrid configured based on a configuration input. The microgrid schematic diagram includes a plurality of icons depicting various features of an exemplary microgrid configured based on configuration inputs. In the exemplary display, the exemplary microgrid includes a system controller 530 icon (which can graphically represent, for example, an input / output device for receiving one or more user inputs (e.g., an interface for receiving one or more configuration inputs)), an energy resource group #1 depiction 510, an energy resource group #3 depiction 514 including a generator group controller icon 534, and an energy resource group #4 depiction 516 including an ESS controller 536. The schematic diagram includes these icons because the microgrid has been configured with energy resource groups including generator group energy resource groups and ESS energy resource groups, and is electrically connected to the utility grid to power loads 520. This particular set of assets is merely exemplary, and any microgrid configured by the system described herein with different and additional components can be displayed. Display 502 also includes an asset attribute display 550 that displays the attributes of a single asset. For example, display 550 can display the power, reactive power, frequency, and / or voltage of any asset on the microgrid.

[0059] Reference again Figure 3 , in step 408, an operational input may be received. The operational input may include the output of the microgrid configuration module 222, the operating mode input 218, and the sensed operating parameter input 220. The sensed operating parameters may include load measurements directly from individual loads or the sum of the power provided by various assets on the microgrid. In some embodiments, the sensed operating parameter input 220 may be compared with one or more operational control limits. The control limits may be based on received signals and include or are related to: limited minimum active power, power factor, number of generator starts over a period of time, battery state of charge (SOC), battery state of health (SOH), bus voltage, and bus frequency, etc. Because the bus frequency and bus voltage may be maintained by the resource controller, the power generated by the asset is generally equal to the load, and in some embodiments, these values ​​may be used as a check on each other. The system may start / stop assets when necessary based on load and asset requirements, and check operating assets and loads against asset priorities. Typically, the system will operate to maintain the highest priority assets on the bus while determining whether there are available energy storage devices and / or grid formation capabilities for energy storage assets and non-ES resources.

[0060] In some embodiments, the operational inputs may include one or more operational ranges. For example, the output of the microgrid configuration module may send one or more operational power ranges based on the configuration of the microgrid. The operational ranges may include minimum and maximum operational ranges (i.e., the minimum and maximum powers at which the asset can function), minimum and maximum desired operational ranges (i.e., the minimum and maximum powers at which the operator expects the asset to operate), and a power sweet spot range (i.e., the ideal power range at which the asset should operate).

[0061] At step 410, the microgrid may be automatically operated based on the microgrid configuration 223 provided to the microgrid control module 226. That is, the microgrid controller 130 may issue commands that cause assets and loads to operate on the microgrid as determined based on the operator's desired operating characteristics determined in the microgrid configuration 223. The microgrid controller 130 may directly control the assets and loads, or may send commands to a local controller (e.g., an energy resource group controller or an asset controller).

[0062] It should now be clear that based on the generated microgrid configuration and the received operational inputs, the system can automatically operate the microgrid. This involves implementing control strategies, algorithms, and decision-making processes to optimize the performance of the microgrid. The system can manage energy flows, load balancing, and resource allocation in real time, constantly adapting to changing conditions and constraints. Through automated operations, the microgrid can respond quickly to fluctuations in energy supply and demand, maximize efficiency, and ensure reliable, sustainable operation of the system.

[0063] Operating a microgrid control system with a pre-programmed library of asset and load characteristics such as those described herein can avoid the need for custom software while reducing costs and improving the operating efficiency of the microgrid. The ability to plug various systems into a microgrid without the need for custom software for each asset added to the grid will allow new and diverse assets to be added without the need to expend resources developing specific software for each type of new asset and keeping up with evolving technology. Common definitions of asset types will further improve efficiency and operational capabilities by allowing the microgrid to quickly add new assets to quickly respond to changes in load (whether increases or decreases), quickly adding assets to meet power demands at sites powered by the microgrid.

[0064] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed system without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art by consideration of the specification and practice of the methods disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a microgrid, comprising: receiving configuration input from an operator, the configuration input comprising a desired bus structure, a plurality of energy resource data, and energy resource priorities; classifying assets and asset groups based on the plurality of energy resource data; as well as A microgrid configuration is generated based on the one or more configuration inputs, the microgrid configuration providing for automated operation of the microgrid.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configuration input further comprises an operating mode input, the operating mode input comprising a redundancy mode in which additional assets may be placed on the microgrid than are strictly required by the load level on the microgrid. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of energy resource data includes asset property inputs including one or more asset-specific parameters related to the operation of the asset. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the energy resource priorities include a ranking of assets in order of priority for allocating power.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the energy resource priority comprises: Economic model based on energy resource cost Emissions patterns based on carbon emissions; as well as Renewable energy penetration models based on renewable assets.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the expected bus structure input data includes data regarding the number of energy resources and loads associated with each bus and how the buses are connected to each other.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the assets or groups of assets are classified into one or more types including energy storage assets and non-energy storage assets.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the non-energy storage asset types are further categorized based on operating hours, health status, and energy status estimation.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: configuring an optimal point range of power for each of the plurality of asset types based on the generated microgrid configuration, and At least one of the assets is operated to provide power to at least one load, wherein the asset operates within its optimal point range.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: configuring a cost function graph for each of said asset types; as well as The microgrid is operated such that at least one of the assets operates at a minimum cost level determined based on the cost function map for the asset type.

Images