Mitigating mass fluctuations caused by instability of renewable energy sources

Abstract

The method comprises the following steps: collecting power generation data, wherein the power generation data comprises the power capacity of a power grid, the position of one or more photovoltaic power generation units connected to the power grid, and the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation units; receiving a weather forecast including one or more of a location, a thickness, a direction of motion, and a velocity of motion of the one or more clouds; calculating the position, the movement direction, the movement speed and the radiation of the cloud shadow; calculating the influence of the cloud shadow on the photovoltaic power generation unit and the influence time; and, before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic power generation unit, performing actions such as reducing the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation unit, increasing the power input of the power generation unit or the power storage unit, and connecting or disconnecting the reactance to or from the power grid, mitigating excessive fluctuations in power quality in the power grid caused by instability of renewable energy sources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to the field of power grids, and more specifically but not exclusively, to distribution power grids, and more specifically but not exclusively, to managing the impact of the instability of renewable energy generation in a distribution power grid. Background Art

[0002] Renewable energy is integrated into the power grid in increasing amounts and scales. Renewable energy is typically integrated into the medium voltage part of a distribution power grid, and thus, the power provided by each renewable energy system becomes an important part of the total power of a specific distribution power grid. Due to the sharp changes in local wind speed or local solar radiation, the energy generation of typical types of renewable energy, such as wind turbines and solar energy systems, is unstable. When such instantaneous changes in power generation are introduced into a specific distribution power grid, the power quality or voltage quality will drop below the requirements of the standards. In other words, the voltage level will drop below the limits set by the relevant standards, or the immediate voltage change can be more drastic than the threshold set or agreed upon by the local distribution system operator. Therefore, having methods and systems for mitigating the impact of the instability of renewable energy without the above limitations would be highly advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a system, method, and / or computer program for mitigating excessive quality fluctuations of power in a power grid caused by the instability of renewable energy, the method, system, and / or computer program including: automatically collecting power production data by a local computer, the power production data including: the power capacity of the power grid, the locations of one or more photovoltaic power generation units connected to the power grid, and the power generation amounts of the one or more photovoltaic power generation units; automatically receiving a weather forecast from a computer of one or more weather stations by the local computer, the weather forecast including one or more of the locations, thicknesses, movement directions, and movement speeds of one or more clouds; calculating one or more of the locations, movement directions, movement speeds, and radiation of one or more cloud shadows; calculating one or more of the impact of the cloud shadow on one or more photovoltaic power generation units and the impact time; and, before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic power generation unit, performing one or more actions in an action list, including: reducing the power generation capacity of one or more photovoltaic power generation units; increasing the power input of one or more power generation units; providing power from a power storage unit; connecting a capacitor to the power grid and disconnecting the capacitor from the power grid; connecting an inductor to the power grid; and disconnecting the inductor from the power grid.

[0004] According to another computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in a power grid, the method includes: determining the configuration of a portion of the power grid, the configuration including one or more power generation units, one or more power consumption devices, and the power grid interconnected between the one or more power generation units and the one or more power consumption devices. Allocating a plurality of measurement devices within the power grid interconnected between the one or more power generation units and the power consumption devices of the one or more power generation units. Automatically and continuously collecting power input values of one or more power inputs input by respective ones of the one or more power generation units into the portion of the power grid. Automatically and continuously collecting a plurality of power transmission values from the respective plurality of measurement devices. Automatically and continuously collecting a weather forecast for a predetermined future time range that is applicable to the one or more power generation units supplying respective power inputs to the portion of the power grid. Automatically and continuously determining the expected impact of each weather forecast on each power input and each measurement device to determine one or more weather-affected power generation units. And if the expected impact exceeds a predetermined threshold, performing one or more actions such as: reducing the power generation capacity of one or more photovoltaic power generation units; increasing the power input of one or more power generation units; providing power from a power storage unit; and connecting or disconnecting a reactance to or from the power grid.

[0005] According to yet another computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in a power grid, the method includes: allocating a plurality of cable measurement devices, wherein each cable measurement device is installed on a cable of the power grid, and wherein each cable measurement device is capable of measuring one or more of the following: the voltage of the cable, the current passing through the cable, solar radiation, wind direction, and wind speed. Automatically collecting power production data through a local computer, the power production data including the power capacity of the power grid, the locations of one or more photovoltaic power generation units connected to the power grid, and the power generation amounts of the one or more photovoltaic power generation units. Receiving one or more measurements from the one or more cable measurement devices. Calculating one or more of the position, movement direction, movement speed, and radiation of one or more cloud shadows. Calculating one or more of the impact of the cloud shadow on the one or more photovoltaic power generation units and the impact time. Before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic power generation unit, performing one or more of the following actions: reducing the power generation capacity of one or more photovoltaic power generation units; increasing the power input of one or more power generation units; providing power from a power storage unit; and connecting or disconnecting a reactance to or from the power grid.

[0006] In addition, according to another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: allocating a plurality of cable measurement devices, where each cable measurement device is installed on a cable of the power grid, and each cable measurement device is capable of measuring one or more of the following: the voltage of the cable, the current passing through the cable, solar radiation, wind direction, and wind speed. Receiving one or more measurement results from one or more of the cable measurement devices. And calculating one or more of the position, movement direction, movement speed, and radiation of one or more cloud shadows.

[0007] Additionally, according to another exemplary embodiment, calculate an impact based on one or more of the following: voltage quality, power quality, change in voltage quality, change in power quality, and a predetermined threshold.

[0008] Moreover, according to another embodiment, the method further includes: the power transmission value includes a power quality value measured by one or more of the plurality of measurement devices. The impact includes a power quality value measured by one or more of the plurality of measurement devices. The power transmission value includes a voltage quality value measured by one or more of the plurality of measurement devices. The impact includes a voltage quality value measured by one or more of the plurality of measurement devices. And the voltage quality includes an expected deviation of the voltage measurement value from the standard voltage value.

[0009] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. The specific order of steps or stages of the methods and processes (including the drawings) described in this disclosure is not deliberate or implied, except to the extent necessary or inherent in the process itself. In many cases, the order of processing steps can be changed without changing the purpose or effect of the described methods. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Reference is made herein to the drawings which illustrate different embodiments by way of example only. Referring now to the drawings in detail, it should be emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in order to provide what is considered to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments.

[0011] In this regard, no attempt is made to show the structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the subject matter, and the description in conjunction with the drawings makes it apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms and structures can be embodied in practice.

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1A simplified diagram of a distribution network connected to a power transmission network via a substation and monitored by a power grid analysis system;

[0014] Figure 2 A simplified flowchart of a first basic calculation process performed by a power grid analysis system;

[0015] Figure 3 A simplified flowchart of a second optional basic calculation process performed by a power grid analysis system;

[0016] Figure 4 A simplified flowchart of a third optional basic calculation process performed by a power grid analysis system;

[0017] Figure 5 A simplified diagram of a plurality of cable devices installed on corresponding cables of a power grid and a fault detection and location system including some of the cable devices;

[0018] Figure 6 A simplified diagram of a cable device installed on a cable, showing a notch for inserting the cable into the cable device, and a radiation measurement unit included in the cable device;

[0019] Figure 7 A simplified diagram of a cutout of a cable device installed on a cable and including a voltage measurement system; and

[0020] Figure 8 A simplified diagram of a computing device that can be used by a cable device or a power grid analysis system. Detailed implementation manner

[0021] This embodiment includes a system, method, and / or computer program for mitigating excessive quality fluctuations of the power supplied by a power grid, where the fluctuations are caused by the typical instability of renewable energy sources that are part of the power grid. Specifically, the fluctuations are caused by changing weather conditions that affect the power generation of corresponding renewable energy sources (such as solar systems and wind turbines).

[0022] The principles and operations of a system, method, and / or computer program for mitigating the impact of weather on the power quality supplied by a power grid according to several exemplary embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and the accompanying description.

[0023] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it should be understood that these embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments can be practiced or implemented in different ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as restrictive.

[0024] In this document, elements of the drawings that are not described within the scope of the drawings and are labeled with numbers that have already been described in previous drawings have the same use and description as in the previous drawings. Similarly, elements labeled with numbers that do not appear in the drawings described in the text have the same use and description as in the previous drawings in which they are described.

[0025] The drawings in this document are not meant to be to any scale. Different figures may use different scales, and even within the same figure different scales may be used. For example, different scales for different views of the same object or different scales for two adjacent objects.

[0026] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions which are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “one or more of A, B and C”, “one or more of A, B or C” and “A, B and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. The term “a” or “an entity” means one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0027] It should also be noted that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “characterized by” and “having” are all inclusive and open-ended, do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, and may be used interchangeably.

[0028] References throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] The term “plurality” as used herein is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.

[0030] In this document, the term "computing device" may refer to any type of computing machine, including but not limited to computers, portable computers, laptops, tablet computers, mobile communication devices, network servers, cloud computers, etc. and any combination thereof. Such a computing device or computing machine may include any type or combination of devices, including but not limited to processors or processing devices, memory devices, storage devices, user interface devices, and / or communication devices.

[0031] The terms "execute", "perform", "compute", "calculate", etc. may refer to a processor of a computing device that executes software program code embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium to achieve a calculation such as the result described after any one of the terms "execute", "perform", "compute", "calculate", etc.

[0032] The term "client computing device" or "client device", "user device" may refer to any type of computing device directly used or operated by a user. This device may include a user interface that can be directly used by the user, including devices for user input and / or user output. This device may be communicatively coupled to another computing device, such as a network server, via a communication network.

[0033] Devices for user input may include a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone, a camera, a touch-sensitive panel or display, a device for user gesture control, a device for tactile user control, etc.

[0034] Devices for user output may include a display, and / or any other device for providing visual information, speakers or headphones, and / or any other device for providing auditory information, a device for providing tactile and / or haptic information, etc.

[0035] The term "mobile communication device" may refer to devices such as tablet computers, mobile phones, smart phones, etc.

[0036] The term "network server" or "server" may refer to any type of "computing device" that is communicatively coupled to a communication network and may include cloud computers, etc.

[0037] The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any type or technology for digital communication, including but not limited to the Internet, WAN, LAN, MAN, PSDN, etc. Any of the above technologies may be wired or wireless, for example, wireless WAN, such as WiMAX, WLAN (Wi-Fi), WPAN (Bluetooth), etc. Wireless network technologies may also include PLMN and / or any type of cellular network. The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any combination of communication technologies, as well as any combination of physical networks. The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any number of interconnected communication networks that may be operated by one or more network operators.

[0038] The term "application" may refer to a software program that runs on or is executed by one or more processors of a computing device, and in particular, by a mobile computing device (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart phone, etc.) and any other mobile or portable computing facility. The term "mobile application" may refer to an application program executed by a mobile computing device.

[0039] In this document, the terms "power transmission network", "electrical transmission network", "electric power transmission network", "power transmission", "power line", "electrical transmission", and "power grid" may be used interchangeably and relate to either or both underground transmission and overhead transmission. The term "power grid" or "electric power grid" or "grid" may refer to a transmission grid and / or a distribution grid and refers to any part of such a network between one or more power stations and a load or one or more consuming devices.

[0040] The term "cable" or "wire cable" may refer to any single cable, or wire, or power line of a power grid, such as a phase-carrying cable. The term "cable device", or "measurement device", or "sensor" may refer to any device installed on a cable of a power grid, including sensors, measurement devices, communication devices, etc. As a non-limiting example, a cable device may obtain power from the electric field and / or magnetic field around the cable, where the electric field and / or magnetic field may be generated by the current flowing in the cable.

[0041] The term "measurement" or "electrical measurement" may refer to any type of measurement of any electrical parameter (such as voltage, current, electric field, magnetic field, resistance, capacitance, inductance, charge, etc.). The term "physical measurement" or "mechanical measurement" may refer to any type of measurement of any physical parameter other than electrical parameters. These parameters may be temperature, wind (including speed and / or direction), humidity, movement, height, (cable) sag, (cable) angle, etc. Such measurements are typically performed by cable devices installed on the cable.

[0042] A system of measurement devices may measure various electrical parameters at multiple locations in a cable, or in a power grid, or in the power grid, and determine the type and location of a specific parameter, and / or a phenomenon and / or a fault by comparing multiple measurements. Such measurements may be made at a point on the cable that may be located in the middle of the cable, at a certain distance from any pole or insulator supporting the cable. At this point, the measurement device may not have any electrical contact with a reference point (such as ground, or zero or neutral, or common line, etc.).

[0043] In this regard, a voltage measurement device may be electrically coupled to the cable as a first reference point for measuring a potential difference (e.g., voltage), but may lack a second electrical contact to a second reference point (i.e., neutral line, ground line, common line, etc.).

[0044] The term "mid-cable" can refer to any location or point along a cable where a cable device or sensor or measuring device can be mounted on the cable and where the cable device or sensor or measuring device does not have access to or electrical contact with a reference potential (such as ground, neutral, common analog, neutral line, etc.).

[0045] The term "reference point" can refer to any such reference potential, such as ground, neutral line, common line, neutral line, power lines of different phases, reference plane, etc.

[0046] The terms "electrically coupled", or "electrically connected", or simply "connected" can refer to direct (e.g., current contact) or indirect electrical contact.

[0047] The term "ungrounded voltage measurement" can refer to measuring the voltage or potential of an electrical component (such as a cable) without contacting a second electrical reference point, where the electrical component is a first electrical reference point, and the second electrical reference point such as a reference point, zero voltage line, common line, neutral line, power lines of different phases, etc. For simplicity, all such versions of the second electrical reference point can be referred to as "reference point" herein.

[0048] The terms "intermittent" or "instantaneous" can refer to any short, typically less than one second, electrical phenomenon. In this regard, an "intermittent phenomenon" can refer to any type of short-time or instantaneous change in voltage and / or current and / or power. Such an "intermittent phenomenon" can take the form of a surge (positive, or negative, or both), a pulse (positive, or negative, or both), a transient, a spike, etc.

[0049] The term "absolute time" can refer to the time of day or the length of time measured from a common universal time. The absolute time can be provided via a signal from an external precise clock (such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal). The terms "time of flight" or "travel time" can refer to the time it takes for a signal to travel from a first point to a second point (such as from the origin of the signal to the point of detection or measurement).

[0050] The device for measuring an electrical signal can be an electrical sensor operable to measure one or more electrical parameters (such as voltage and / or current). The measuring device can be mounted on the cable, anywhere on the cable, whether on or near the pole carrying the cable, or anywhere between two poles or between two insulators carrying or supporting the cable. The cable can be an overhead cable or an underground cable. For example, for an underground cable, the measuring device can be placed in the location where the underground cable is exposed and / or without a protective cover, such as in a manhole (maintenance hole) or a splice point, etc.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a distribution network 10 connected to a power transmission network 11 via a substation 12 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, the distribution network 10 may include four feeders 13. However, any number of feeders may be contemplated. These four feeders are enumerated as 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. Two connecting lines 14 may be connected between feeders 13B - 13C and between 13C - 13D, although any number of connecting lines are contemplated.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, one or more photovoltaic systems 15 may be connected to any one of the feeders 13. However, any system 15 may represent any type of renewable energy generation system (e.g., wind turbines, etc.). Multiple consumption systems ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure) may be distributed along the feeders 13. Multiple cable devices 16 may be installed on any power line of the distribution network 10. It should be recognized that any number of cable devices 16 may be installed on any power line (phase) of the distribution network 10.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, feeder 13A is split into two sub - lines 17A and 17B. It can be understood that any feeder 13A may be divided into any number of sub - lines (e.g., 17C) in different forms and separation levels. The term "local grid" may refer to the entire grid 10 or to different parts of the grid 10, such as a specific feeder 13 or sub - line 17. Figure 1 The entire structure and / or topology of the distribution network 10 is provided only as an example.

[0055] The communication network 18 may represent any number of any type of communication network including wired and wireless networks. The communication network 18 may also represent several non - interconnected networks, where each network serves different pairs or groups of computing devices capable of communicating.

[0056] For example, the communication network 18 may be interconnected between the substation 12 and the grid management system 19, between the grid management system 19 and the grid analysis system 20, between the grid analysis system 20 and any number of weather stations 21. The weather stations 21 may provide weather measurements, weather analysis, weather forecasts, etc. The weather stations 21 may include cloud radars 22, lidars, visibility measurement units, radiation measurement stations, etc. The communication network 18 may also be interconnected between the grid analysis system 20 and any number of cable devices 16. The communication network 18 may also be interconnected between the grid management system 19 and the power generation system 15.

[0057] Figure 1Also shown is a cloud 23 blown by the wind 24 in the direction of the arrow 24, which can be measured and / or predicted by any weather station 21 and / or cloud radar 22, etc. The dashed line 25 may indicate the boundary of an effective shadow 26 cast by the cloud 23. The parameters of the effective shadow 26 in terms of, for example, position, area, and radiation may depend on the current position of the sun 27, the thickness and structure of the cloud 23, etc.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which is a simplified flowchart of a first basic calculation process 28, for example, performed by a power grid analysis system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] As an option, Figure 2 the simplified flowchart of Figure 2 can be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course,

[0060] the simplified flowchart of

[0061] can be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Additionally, the above definitions can equally apply to the following description.

[0060] It should be understood that the flowchart of the first basic calculation process 28 can be implemented as one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors of the analysis system 20. It should be recognized that some actions of the first basic calculation process 28 can be performed by the power grid management system 19.

[0061] The first basic calculation process 28 may start with an action 29 by obtaining power grid data 30. In this regard, the term "power grid data" may include (but is not limited to) the topology and terrain of the local power grid. As a non-limiting example, the term "local power grid" may refer to a distribution network such as Figure 1 the distribution network 10 of the distribution network or any part thereof. Thus, such a "local power grid" may include one or more feeders 13, one or more sub-lines 17, etc. The term "topology" may refer to the electrical relationship between the elements of the distribution network 10. The term "terrain" may refer to the geographical location of the elements of the distribution network 10. The term "elements of the distribution network" may refer to the power grid itself and any other physical elements and / or electrical devices connected to the power grid.

[0062] Therefore, the action 29 may also obtain the terrain and / or geographical location of each photovoltaic power generation unit connected to the power grid and its maximum power generation capacity. The term "obtain" may herein refer to manually or automatically introducing the power grid data 30 as calculation data into a computing device. Such a computing device may be operated by, for example, the power grid analysis system 20 and the power grid management system 19. It can be understood that the action 29 may be repeated from time to time to obtain an update of the power grid data.

[0063] Then, the first basic calculation process 28 can proceed to operation 31 to collect grid power data 32, for example, in the form of the current power capacity of the grid and the current power generation of each photovoltaic power generation unit. For example, the processor of the grid analysis system 20 can perform operation 31 by automatically collecting these data elements from the grid management system 19.

[0064] As shown by arrow 33, operation 31 is a repetitive or continuous automated process. It can be understood that the power transmitted by the local grid, the power supplied by the substation 12 to the local grid, and the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation units connected to the local grid can change instantaneously. For example, due to changes in the power consumption of the consuming devices connected to the local grid. Therefore, operation 31 needs to be repeated quickly.

[0065] Then, the first basic calculation process 28 can proceed to operation 34 to receive weather data 35 from one or more weather stations (such as Figure 1 weather station 21). Such weather data may include cloud measurements, for example, which can be performed by one or more cloud radars 22. For each cloud within the area related to the geographical distribution of the grid (such as Figure 1 grid 10), the cloud measurement may include the position of the cloud, the area of the cloud, the height of the cloud, the thickness of the cloud, the speed and direction of the movement of the cloud, etc.

[0066] In this regard, the term "cloud height" may refer to the distance between the bottom of the cloud and the ground below. In this regard, the term "cloud thickness" may refer to the distance between the top of the cloud and the bottom of the cloud. In this regard, the term "cloud area" may refer to the horizontal profile of the cloud provided as a set of points along a contour or as a function, such as the X and Y values of the points.

[0067] Then, the first basic calculation process 28 can proceed to operation 36 to calculate cloud shadow data 37 based on the weather data 35. The cloud shadow data 37 may include the position and size of the cloud shadow, the speed and direction of the movement of the cloud shadow, and the radiation within the cloud shadow. The cloud shadow data 37 can be calculated individually for each cloud within the area related to the geographical spread of the grid (such as Figure 1 grid 10). The cloud shadow data 37 can be calculated based on the cloud data and the position of the sun. In this regard, the term "shadow position and size" may refer to the contour of the shadow projected on the ground. This contour data can be provided as a function of a set of points along the contour (such as the X and Y values of these points).

[0068] Then, the first basic calculation process 28 can proceed to operation 38 to calculate the cloud impact data 39 of each cloud shadow on each photovoltaic power generation unit. The cloud impact data 39 can include the expected impact and the expected impact time. The term "impact" can represent the absolute radiation within the impact time, or the reduction in radiation within the impact time, or the expected power generation of the photovoltaic power generation unit within the impact time. The term "impact time" can represent the expected start time, expected end time, or duration during which the cloud shadow can affect the photovoltaic power generation unit. The impact can be calculated based on the expected solar radiation and the thickness of the cloud. It should be understood that the term impact can apply to the reduction in radiation when the cloud shadow hits the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit, and the term impact can also apply to the increase in radiation when the cloud shadow leaves the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit.

[0069] For example, the impact calculation can determine that a specific cloud shadow may completely miss a specific photovoltaic power generation unit, or a specific cloud shadow may hit the aligned photovoltaic power generation unit within a specific time period. A specific cloud shadow can cover the entire area of a specific photovoltaic power generation unit, or only cover a part of it. Therefore, for example, the output power of a specific photovoltaic power generation unit is reduced by a calculated percentage.

[0070] Returning to Figure 1 the exemplary power grid 10 and cloud 23, it can be seen that the shadow 26 misses the photovoltaic power generation unit represented by the number 40, hits the photovoltaic power generation unit represented by the number 41, and partially hits the photovoltaic power generation unit represented by the number 42. The photovoltaic power generation units represented by the numbers 41 and 42 are affected at different times.

[0071] Therefore, operation 38 can also calculate the overall impact on the power transmitted by the local power grid when a specific cloud shadow affects a specific photovoltaic power generation unit. For example, when affecting a specific photovoltaic power generation unit, operation 38 can calculate the maximum expected reduction in the voltage value provided by the local power grid to the consuming device under the maximum impact of a specific cloud shadow. Operation 38 can calculate the maximum amount of electric power that should be supplemented to the local power grid at this moment to make up for the power shortage caused by the above impact.

[0072] Then, the first basic calculation process 28 can enter operations 43 and 44 to reduce the power generated by the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit before the cloud shadow reaches the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit, and preferably increase the power provided by other sources to the corresponding local power grid in parallel. Therefore, the first basic calculation process 28 can mitigate the expected impact of the cloud shadow on the power quality or voltage quality experienced by the consuming devices connected to the corresponding local power grid.

[0073] The term "other source" in this document may refer to the substation 12 and / or any other photovoltaic power generation unit that can be connected to the local power grid and is not affected by cloud shadows at the same time. The term "other source" may also refer to an energy source such as an energy storage system that can be connected to the local power grid. The term "other source" may also refer to a capacitance or inductance system that can be connected to the local power grid. In this regard, the phrase "increasing the power supplied to the corresponding local power grid by other sources" may refer to increasing or decreasing the capacitance and / or inductance.

[0074] It should be understood that the action of reducing the power generated by the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit before the cloud shadow reaches the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit may depend on a predefined threshold, which may be associated with, for example, power quality and / or voltage quality.

[0075] As a non-limiting example, if the standard requires that the voltage does not drop by more than 3% from the standard level, then the action 43 may reduce the power supplied by the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit(s) about to be affected by the ongoing cloud shadow to less than 3% of the total power supplied by the local power grid. In the case where the shadow completely stops a particular photovoltaic power generation unit from generating electricity, the impact on the local network will still be within the limits of the standard.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the first basic calculation process 28 may increase the power supplied to the local power grid by the substation 12 and / or other photovoltaic power generation units that are not expected to be affected by cloud shadows at the same time. The action of increasing power before the cloud shadow reaches the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit may also depend on a predefined threshold, which may be associated with, for example, power quality and / or voltage quality.

[0077] As a non-limiting example, if the impact of the cloud on a particular photovoltaic power generation unit can cause a 50% reduction in power, and the particular photovoltaic power generation unit supplies 10% of the total power supplied by the local power grid, then the action 43 may reduce the power output of the particular photovoltaic power generation unit to less than 6% of the total grid power, such that a 50% reduction in the power supplied by the particular photovoltaic power generation unit may result in an impact on the voltage level of the local power grid of less than 3%.

[0078] Optionally, the first basic calculation process 28 may reduce the power of the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit and increase the power supplied by other resources by transmitting the instruction 45 to the power grid management system 19.

[0079] The arrow 33 may indicate that the corresponding action or sequence of actions can be repeated, and the corresponding actions can be executed in parallel. In this sense, the actions 31, 34, 36, and 38 can be executed in parallel with each other, and can be executed in parallel with the sequence of actions 43 and 44.

[0080] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3It is a simplified flowchart of a second basic calculation process 46, for example, executed by a power grid analysis system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] As an option, Figure 3 the simplified flowchart can be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, Figure 3 the simplified flowchart can be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Additionally, the above definitions can equally apply to the following description.

[0082] It should be understood that the flowchart of the second basic calculation process 46 can be embodied as one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors of the analysis system 20. It should be recognized that some actions of the second basic calculation process 28 can be performed by the power grid management system 19.

[0083] The second basic calculation process 46 is similar to the first basic calculation process 28, however, adding the network of cable equipment 16 to verify the expected cloud shadow movement and correct the prediction if necessary. It can be understood that the second basic calculation process 46 can be used as an alternative to the first basic calculation process 28.

[0084] As will be described in further detail below, the cable equipment 16 can be equipped with various measuring devices, including voltage, current, and radiation sensors. The cable equipment 16 can thus provide radiation measurements, including but not limited to radiation values, radiation change rates, radiation change times, etc.

[0085] The second basic calculation process 46 can start action 47 by obtaining power grid data 48. In this regard, the term "power grid data" can include (but is not limited to) the topology and terrain of the local power grid. As a non-limiting example, the term "local power grid" can refer to a distribution network such as Figure 1 the distribution network 10 of the distribution network or any part thereof. Thus, such a "local power grid" can include one or more feeders 13, one or more sub-lines 17, etc. The term "topology" can refer to the electrical relationship between the components of the distribution network 10. The term "terrain" can refer to the geographical location of the components of the distribution network 10. The term "components of the distribution network" can refer to the power grid itself and any other physical components and / or electrical devices connected to the power grid, including the cable equipment 16.

[0086] Therefore, action 47 can also obtain the terrain (geographical) location of each photovoltaic power generation unit connected to the power grid and its maximum power generation capacity. Action 47 can also obtain the terrain (or geographical) location of each cable equipment installed on the power grid. The term "obtain" can refer to manually or automatically introducing the power grid data as calculation data into a computing device. Such a computing device can be operated by, for example, the power grid analysis system 20 and the power grid management system 19. It can be understood that action 29 can be repeated from time to time to obtain an update of the power grid data.

[0087] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 may proceed to operation 49 to collect grid power data 50, for example, in the form of the current power capacity of the grid and the current power generation of each photovoltaic power generation unit. For example, a processor of the grid analysis system 20 may perform operation 31 by automatically collecting these data elements from the grid management system 19. Alternatively or additionally, operation 49 may collect grid data 50 from the cable device 16, for example, in the form of instantaneous or average voltage and current measurements. Thus, operation 49 may develop a more detailed view of the current power distribution through the local grid.

[0088] Operation 49 is a repetitive or continuous automated process because the power transmitted by the local grid, the power supplied to the local grid by the substation 12, and the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation units connected to the local grid may instantaneously change, for example, due to changes in the power consumption of the consumption devices connected to the local grid.

[0089] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 may proceed to operation 51 to receive weather data 52 from one or more weather stations (such as Figure 1 weather station 21). Such weather data may include cloud measurements, for example, which may be performed by one or more cloud radars 22. For each cloud within a region related to the geographical distribution of the grid (such as Figure 1 grid 10), the cloud measurements may include the position of the cloud, the area of the cloud, the height of the cloud, the thickness of the cloud, the speed and direction of the movement of the cloud, etc.

[0090] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 may proceed to operation 53 to calculate cloud shadow data 54 based on the weather data 52. The cloud shadow data 54 may include the position and size of the cloud shadow, the speed and direction of the movement of the cloud shadow, and the radiation within the cloud shadow. The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated individually for each cloud within a region related to the geographical spread of the grid (such as Figure 1 grid 10). The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated based on the cloud data and the position of the sun. In this regard, the term "shadow position and size" may refer to the outline of the shadow projected on the ground. This contour data may be provided as a function of a set of points along the contour (such as the X and Y values of these points).

[0091] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 can proceed to operation 55 to calculate the cloud impact data 56 of each cloud shadow on each photovoltaic power generation unit and each cable device 16. The cloud impact data 56 can include the expected impact and the expected impact time. The term "impact" can represent the absolute radiation during the impact time, or the amount of radiation change during the impact time, or the expected power generation of the photovoltaic power generation unit during the impact time. The term "impact time" can represent the expected start time, the expected end time, or the duration during which the cloud shadow can affect the photovoltaic power generation unit. The impact and / or the radiation change can be calculated based on the expected solar radiation and the thickness of the cloud. It can be understood that the term impact can apply to the reduction in radiation when the cloud shadow hits the corresponding power grid element, and also to the increase in radiation when the cloud shadow leaves the corresponding power grid element. In this regard, the term "power grid element" can also include any cable device 16.

[0092] Therefore, when affecting a specific photovoltaic power generation unit, operation 55 can also calculate the overall impact of a specific cloud shadow. The term "overall impact" can refer to the overall power transmitted by the local power grid. For example, when affecting a specific photovoltaic power generation unit, operation 55 can calculate the maximum expected reduction in the voltage value supplied by the local power grid to the consuming device under the maximum impact of a specific cloud shadow.

[0093] Operation 55 can calculate the maximum amount of electric power that should be supplemented to the local power grid at this moment to make up for the power shortage caused by the above impact.

[0094] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 can proceed to operation 57 to receive the radiation measurement 58 from one or more cable devices 16. Specifically, from the cable device 16 currently affected by a specific cloud shadow. Then, operation 57 can compare the predicted cloud impact data 56 with the current actual radiation measurement result 58. Therefore, operation 57 can produce updated and / or corrected predicted cloud impact data 59.

[0095] It should be understood that each cable device 16 can provide radiation data in sunny and shaded areas, as well as measurements of wind speed and wind direction. Each cable device 16 can also provide power transmission values, power quality values, voltage values, voltage quality values, and current values passing through the corresponding cable. Each cable device 16 can also calculate the expected impact and the change in power quality values and / or voltage quality values and / or values caused by the recent change in radiation values.

[0096] Then, the second basic calculation process 46 can proceed to operation 60 and operation 61 to reduce the power generated by the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit before the cloud shadow reaches the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit, and preferably, in parallel, increase the power supplied to the corresponding local power grid by other sources. Therefore, the second basic calculation process 46 can mitigate the expected impact of the cloud shadow on the power quality or voltage quality experienced by the consuming devices connected to the corresponding local power grid.

[0097] The term "other source" may refer to the substation 12 and / or any other photovoltaic power generation unit that can be connected to the local power grid and can be simultaneously unaffected by the cloud shadow. The term "other source" may also refer to an energy source such as an energy storage system that can be connected to the local power grid. The term "other source" may also refer to a capacitance or inductance system that can be connected to the local power grid. In this regard, the phrase "increasing the power supplied to the corresponding local power grid by other sources" may refer to increasing or decreasing the capacitance and / or inductance.

[0098] The actions of increasing power and / or decreasing power (actions 60 and 61) may depend on respective thresholds, which may be associated with power quality and / or voltage quality in a manner similar to that provided in the examples of actions 43 and 44 with reference to the first basic calculation process 28.

[0099] Arrow 33 may indicate that the corresponding action or sequence of actions may be repeated, and the execution of the corresponding actions may be carried out in parallel. In this sense, actions 49, 51, 53, 55, and 57 may be carried out in parallel with each other, and may be carried out in parallel with the sequence of actions 60 and 61.

[0100] Optionally, the second basic calculation process 46 may transmit an instruction 62 to the power grid management system 19 to reduce the power of the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit and increase the power provided by other resources before the cloud shadow affects each specific photovoltaic power generation unit. Similarly, the second basic calculation process 46 may transmit an instruction 62 to the power grid management system 19 to increase the power of the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit and reduce the power provided by other resources before the influence of the cloud shadow on each specific photovoltaic power generation unit ends.

[0101] Now referring to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a simplified flowchart of a third basic process 63 for mitigating power fluctuations in a power grid according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] As an option, the simplified illustration of Figure 4 may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, the simplified illustration of Figure 4 may be viewed in the background of any desired environment. In addition, the above definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0103] It should be understood that the flowchart of the third basic calculation process 63 may be embodied as one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors of the analysis system 20. It should be recognized that some actions of the second basic calculation process 28 may be executed by the power grid management system 19.

[0104] The third basic calculation process 63 is similar to the first basic calculation process 28. However, a network of cable devices 16 is used instead of weather stations to anticipate cloud shadow movement. It should be understood that if weather data is not available, the third basic calculation process 46 can be used as an alternative to the first and second basic calculation processes.

[0105] Similar to the second basic calculation process 46, the third basic calculation process 63 can start operation 64 by obtaining grid data 65. Then, similar to the second basic calculation process 46, the third basic calculation process 63 can enter operation 66 to collect grid electrical data 67. Operation 66 can be performed continuously or repeatedly as needed, as indicated by arrow 68.

[0106] Then, the third basic calculation process 63 can enter operation 69 to collect radiation data 70 from the cable device 16, and then proceed to operation 71 to calculate a map 72 of the shadow areas based on the radiation data 70. Operation 71 can also calculate the movement direction, movement speed, and radiation value of each shadow area. Then, the third basic calculation process 63 can enter operation 73 to calculate the predicted impact 74 of each shadow area on each cable device 16 and each photovoltaic power generation unit 15.

[0107] The third basic calculation process 63 can perform operations 69, 71, and 73 continuously or repeatedly as needed to improve the mapping of the shadow areas, their assumed boundaries, the speed and direction of movement, and the expected radiation amount. Therefore, the impact data 74 can be considered a data stream for predicting radiation changes in each component of the local power grid.

[0108] Then, the third basic calculation process 63 can enter operations 75 and 76 to reduce the power generated by the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit before the corresponding shadow area reaches the corresponding photovoltaic power generation unit, and preferably increase the power supplied to the corresponding local power grid by other sources in parallel. Therefore, the third basic calculation process 63 can mitigate the expected impact of cloud shadows on the power quality or voltage quality experienced by the consuming devices connected to the corresponding local power grid. For example, the third basic calculation process 63 can reduce or increase the power by transmitting an instruction 77 to the power grid management system 19.

[0109] The operations of increasing power and / or reducing power (operations 75 and 76) can depend on corresponding thresholds, which can be associated with power quality and / or voltage quality in a manner similar to the examples provided in reference to operations 43 and 44 of the first basic calculation process 28.

[0110] Arrow 68 can indicate that the sequence of operations 75 and 76 can be performed in parallel with the sequence of operations 69, 71, and 73, and in parallel with operation 66.

[0111] Now refer to Figure 5 ,Figure 5 is a simplified illustration of a plurality of cable devices 16 installed on respective cables 78 of a power grid 79 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] As an option, it can be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures Figure 5 of the simplified illustration. However, of course, it can be viewed in the context of any desired environment Figure 5 of the simplified illustration. In addition, the above definitions can equally apply to the following description.

[0113] Figure 5 shows a plurality of cable devices 16 installed in various different positions of a power grid 79. In particular, the cable devices 16 can be installed on the cables 78 of the power grid 79. The cable devices 16 can be installed on the cables 78 in intermediate cables and are generally not grounded. As Figure 5 shown, the cables 78 can be supported by utility poles through insulators. Figure 5 shows the cables 78 between utility poles or insulators. As Figure 5 shown, a plurality of cable devices 16 can be installed in various different positions on each cable 78 of the power grid 79.

[0114] Alternatively, the cable devices 16 can be installed at specific places on the cables 78 of the power grid 79 and also measure phenomena on other parallel cables 78 of the power grid 79 at the same places.

[0115] As Figure 5 shown, the cable devices 16 can be electrically coupled to their respective cables 78 but are not connected to any other reference points, such as ground, zero voltage line, common line, neutral line, etc.

[0116] In this regard, the cable devices 16 can obtain their operating energy or power (as will be further explained below) from their respective cable devices 16, particularly from the electric field, and / or from the magnetic field generated by the voltage and / or current transmitted by the cables 78 around and through the cables 78.

[0117] In this regard, the cable devices 16 can measure the current flowing through the respective cables 78 and / or the voltage transmitted by the respective cables 78 by measuring the magnetic field and electric field respectively. In this regard, the voltage measurement system is an ungrounded voltage measurement system. It should be understood that the cable devices 16 can measure other physical phenomena, such as temperature, humidity, wind, wind direction, position (e.g., through a GPS receiver), cable sag and angle, cable movement, etc.

[0118] The cable devices 16 can communicate with each other, as shown by the arrow 80, and / or communicate with a local controller 81, as shown by the arrow 82, and / or communicate with a local server 83, as shown by the arrow 84.

[0119] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a simplified illustration of cable device 16 mounted on cable 78, showing a notch 85 for inserting cable 78 into cable device 16.

[0120] As an option, the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 6 can be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 6 can be viewed in the context of any desired environment. In addition, the above definitions can equally apply to the following description.

[0121] Each cable device 16 may include a notch 85 or a similar device through which cable 78 can be inserted into cable device 16 when cable device 16 is mounted on cable 78.

[0122] Each cable device 16 may also include a radiation sensor 86 or a similar device for measuring the radiation value of the sun.

[0123] Now refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a simplified illustration of a through-cable device 16 mounted on cable 78 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0124] As an alternative,[[]] Figure 7 the illustration of cable device 16 of Figure 7 can be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course,

[0125] As shown in Figure 7 , cable device 16 may include a box or body 87 through which cable 78 passes. Cable 78 may be part of a power grid, a transmission grid or a distribution grid, for example maintained by a power facility that supplies power to the public, to factories, etc. Cable device 16 can thus be mounted on a live cable 78. That is, when cable 78 is fully powered and / or transmitting voltage and / or current.

[0126] Box 87 may be composed of two parts that can be opened and then closed around cable 78. Alternatively, box 87 may be composed of a single part that surrounds most of the cable diameter and has an opening on one side, such as notch 85( Figure 7 not shown in

[0127] As shown in Figure 7As shown, the cable device 16 may include a power supply module 88, a controller module 89, one or more electrical measurement devices 90, one or more physical measurement devices 91, and a backhaul communication module 92. Optionally, the cable device 16 may further include a local communication module 93, a remote sensing module 94, and a propulsion control module 95. Optionally, the cable device 16 may further include a cable clamping portion 96 and a GPS module 97.

[0128] The GPS module 97 can be used here as an accurate time source. The time source of the cable device 16 can be any type of time source that provides an accuracy of 50 nanoseconds or higher. It is desirable for the GPS module 97 to provide a time accuracy of 10 nanoseconds or higher. Optionally, the GPS module 97 can also provide an accurate universal clock for, for example, accurately determining the absolute time of measurement. In this regard, the GPS signal serves as the accurate common time for all cable devices 16, so that all the clocks of the cable devices 16 are synchronized with the accuracy of the GPS signal. Optionally, the cable device 16 may further include a Global Positioning Service (GPS) module 97, and it can be used to measure, monitor, and / or control the position of the cable device 16 along the cable 78.

[0129] The electrical measurement device 90 may include one or more voltage measurement devices 98 and / or current measurement devices 99. The electrical measurement device 90 may include one or more radiation measurement devices 100 (such as Figure 6 the radiation sensor 86). For example, the radiation measurement device 100 may be adapted to the light band in which the photovoltaic cell operates.

[0130] As Figure 7 shown, the cable device 16 may include a magnetic core 101, with at least one coil wound around the magnetic core to form a winding 102. The magnetic core 101 may be mounted around the cable 78. The magnetic core 101 may be composed of two parts, in each of the two parts of the box 87, when the box 87 is attached to the cable 78, the two parts of the magnetic core 101 close around the cable 78. However, optionally, and particularly for high-voltage cables, the magnetic core 101 may be open, that is, it has a notch through which the cable 78 can be inserted.

[0131] The magnetic core 101 generally obtains a magnetic field from the current flowing in the cable 78. The winding 102 can derive current from the magnetic flux in the magnetic core 101. The winding 102 may be electrically coupled to the power supply module 88 and generally provides voltage to other modules of the cable device 101. It should be understood that the cable device 16 can obtain power from a single cable 78.

[0132] Alternatively or optionally, the cable device 16 can obtain power from the electric field of the high-voltage power grid through a single cable 78, for example, even when the cable 78 is not carrying current.

[0133] Alternatively, for example when used with insulated high voltage cables, and / or underground cables and / or low voltage power grids, the power module 88 may be connected to sensors attached to cables that obtain power supply from other sources such as a main unit connected to the low voltage output of a transformer, a battery, a photovoltaic (PV) element, etc. The cable device 16 of this configuration may have only one part with an opening at the bottom.

[0134] The backhaul communication module 92 and the local communication module 93 may each and / or both be coupled to one or more antennas 103. The remote sensing module 94 may be coupled to and control different sensors, one or more cameras 104, one or more microphones 105, etc. It should be understood that the camera may be mounted on an axis system providing three-dimensional rotation. Alternatively, multiple or an array of fixed cameras may be mounted to cover a large field of view as needed.

[0135] At least one camera 104 may provide an image of at least a part of the sky. The controller module 89 may process the sky image to generate cloud parameters such as cloud position, cloud area, cloud movement speed, and cloud movement direction. Such cloud parameters may be calculated for each cloud within the sky image. The cloud parameters may be transmitted to the power grid analysis system 20, which may calculate more accurate cloud parameters, including cloud height, based on the triangulation of at least three cable devices 16 with known GPS data.

[0136] The backhaul communication module 92 and the local communication module 93 may use any type of communication technology and / or communication network, such as, but not limited to: The term "communication technology", or "communication network", or simply "network" refers to any type of communication medium, including but not limited to fixed (wired, cable) networks, wireless networks, and / or satellite networks, wide area networks (WAN) fixed or wireless (including various types of cellular networks), local area networks (LAN) fixed or wireless (including Wi-Fi), and personal area networks (PAN) fixed or wireless (including Bluetooth, ZigBee, and NFC), power line carrier (PLC) communication technology, etc. The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any combination of any number of networks and / or communication technologies.

[0137] The controller module 89 may include a processor unit, one or more memory units (e.g., random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, etc.) and one or more storage units (e.g., including a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive, etc.), which may be used to store and / or execute software programs and associated data and communicate with external devices.

[0138] The propulsion control module 95 may be coupled to one or more actuating devices, such as the electric motor 106, which may be coupled to one or more wheels 107. The wheels 107 may be mounted on the cable 78 to enable the propulsion control module 95 to move the cable device 16 along the cable 78 by controlling the electric motor 106.

[0139] It should be understood that the propulsion system of the cable device 16 (including but not limited to the propulsion control module 95, one or more electric motors 106, one or more wheels 107, etc.) may be operable to move the cable device 16 along the cable 78 and / or rotate the cable device 16 around the cable 78.

[0140] It should be understood that the electric motor 106 represents herein any type of technology sufficient to maneuver the cable device 16 along the cable 78 and / or around the cable 78, including but not limited to AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, pneumatic pumps and / or motors, hydraulic pumps and / or motors, or any other type of actuator.

[0141] The power grid analysis system 20 may use the propulsion system of the cable device 16 and the GPS system to distribute and position the cable device 16 within the area served by the local power grid to provide irradiance measurements around the respective photovoltaic power generation units 15. Since the cable device 16 may be positioned to provide sunlight and shadow irradiance measurements, the power grid analysis system 20 may reposition the cable device 16 according to the changing positions of the clouds, the associated shadow maps, and the direction of movement of the clouds and / or their respective shadows.

[0142] The cable clamping portion 96 may include, for example, a cable holder portion 108, which may be pressed against the cable 78 to firmly attach the cable device 16 to the cable 78. The cable holder portion 108 may be manipulated (e.g., up and down) by electrical means and / or by mechanical means such as a threaded rod 109. The threaded rod 109 may be operated by an electric actuator or by a shaft 110 inserted into a socket of the cable attachment actuator portion. Alternatively, the threaded rod 109 may be operated by a rod inserted into the socket 111.

[0143] Now referring to Figure 8 , Figure 8 is a simplified block diagram of a computing device 112 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0144] As an option, the block diagram of Figure 8 may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, Figure 8 the block diagram of Figure 8The computing device 112 may correspond to or be included in the cable device 16, the local controller 81, the server 83, the power grid management system 19, the power grid analysis system 20, etc.

[0145] As Figure 8 shown, the computing device 112 may include at least one processor unit 113, one or more memory units 114 (e.g., random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), etc.) and one or more storage units 115 (e.g., including a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive, representing a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory device, etc.).

[0146] The computing device 112 may further include one or more radiation measurement units 116, such as Figure 6 the radiation sensor 86 and / or Figure 7 the radiation measurement unit 100.

[0147] The computing device 112 may further include one or more communication units 117. The communication unit 117 may use any type of communication technology, especially RF communication technology, especially communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and any remote control communication technology that can be used by the cable device 16 to communicate with any other cable device 16 or with a remote control, a remote server, or any other computing device.

[0148] The computing device 112 may further include one or more communication buses 118 connecting the above units. The computing device 112 may further include one or more control circuits 119 for controlling other devices connected to or included in the main body 87.

[0149] The computing device 112 may further include one or more computer programs 120 or computer control logic algorithms that can be stored in any memory unit 114 and / or storage unit 115. When such computer programs are executed, the computing system 112 is enabled to perform different functions as described herein. The memory unit 114 and / or storage unit 115 and / or any other storage are possible examples of tangible computer-readable media. Specifically, the computer program 120 may include a software program for calculating the cable voltage with respect to a reference point and the collected data.

[0150] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0151] Although the foregoing has been provided in connection with its specific embodiments, it will be apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent that each such individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electrical grid, the method comprising: Automatically collecting power generation data by a local computer, the power generation data including: The power capacity of the electrical grid, The location of at least one photovoltaic power generation unit connected to the electrical grid, and The power generation amount of the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit; Automatically receiving a weather forecast from a computer of at least one weather station by the local computer, the weather forecast including at least one of the position, thickness, movement direction, and movement speed of at least one cloud; Calculating at least one of the position, movement direction, movement speed, and radiation of at least one cloud shadow; Calculating at least one of the impact of the cloud shadow on the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit and the impact time; and Before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic power generation unit, performing at least one of the following: Reducing the power generation capacity of the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit; Increasing the power input of at least one power generation unit; Providing power from a power storage unit; Connecting a capacitor to the electrical grid; Disconnecting the capacitor from the electrical grid; Connecting an inductor to the electrical grid; and Disconnecting the inductor from the electrical grid.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Allocating a plurality of cable measurement devices, wherein each of the cable measurement devices is installed on a cable of the electrical grid, and wherein each of the cable measurement devices is capable of measuring at least one of the following: the voltage of the cable, the current passing through the cable, solar radiation, wind direction, and wind speed; Receiving at least one measurement result from at least one of the cable measurement devices; and Calculating at least one of the position, movement direction, movement speed, and radiation of at least one cloud shadow.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein Calculating the impact based on at least one of the following: voltage quality, power quality, change in voltage quality, change in power quality, and a predetermined threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: The power transmission value includes a power quality value measured by at least one of a plurality of measurement devices; The impact includes a power quality value measured by at least one of a plurality of measurement devices; The power transmission value includes a voltage quality value measured by at least one of a plurality of measurement devices; The impact includes a voltage quality value measured by at least one of a plurality of measurement devices; And The voltage quality includes an expected deviation of the voltage measurement value from the standard voltage value.

5. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electrical grid, the method comprising: A. Determining the configuration of a part of the electrical grid, the configuration including at least one power generation unit, at least one power consumption device, and an electrical grid interconnected between the at least one power generation unit and the at least one power consumption device; B. Allocating a plurality of measurement devices within the electrical grid interconnected between the at least one power generation unit and the at least one power consumption device; C. Automatically and continuously collecting power input values of at least one power input input into a part of the electrical grid by respective at least one power generation unit; D. Automatically and continuously collect a plurality of power transmission values from respective ones of the plurality of measurement devices; E. Automatically and continuously collect weather forecasts within a predetermined future time range, the weather forecasts being applicable to at least one power generation unit that supplies respective power inputs to a portion of the power grid; F. Automatically and continuously determine the expected impact of each weather forecast on each power input and each measurement device to identify at least one weather-affected power generation unit; and G. If the expected impact exceeds a predetermined threshold, perform at least one of the following: Reduce the power generation capacity of the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit; Increase the power input to at least one power generation unit; Provide power from a power storage unit; Connect a capacitor to the power grid; Disconnect the capacitor from the power grid; Connect an inductor to the power grid; And Disconnect the inductor from the power grid.

6. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in a power grid, the method comprising: Allocate a plurality of cable measurement devices, wherein each of the cable measurement devices is installed on a cable of the power grid, and wherein each of the cable measurement devices is capable of measuring at least one of the following: voltage of the cable, current passing through the cable, solar radiation, wind direction, and wind speed; Automatically collect power production data through a local computer, the power production data including: Power capacity of the power grid, Location of at least one photovoltaic power generation unit connected to the power grid, and Power generation amount of the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit; Receive at least one measurement value from at least one of the cable measurement devices; Calculate at least one of the position, movement direction, movement speed, and radiation of at least one cloud shadow; Calculate at least one of the impact of the cloud shadow on the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit and the impact time; and Before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic power generation unit, perform at least one of the following: Reduce the power generation capacity of the at least one photovoltaic power generation unit; Increase the power input to at least one power generation unit; Provide power from a power storage unit; Connect a capacitor to the power grid; Disconnect the capacitor from the power grid, connect an inductor to the power grid; and Disconnect the inductor from the power grid.

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