Determining optimal mesh interconnects

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for determining optimal mesh interconnects. A grid model including a topological representation of the grid and electrical specifications of the grid components may be accessed (114). First interconnect data representing a first suggested interconnect (116) to an electrical grid may be obtained. At least one other suggested interconnect to the power grid may be selected. A modified grid model (118) may be generated at least by incorporating the first suggested interconnect (116) and the at least one other suggested interconnect into the grid model. A simulation of the grid may be performed using the modified grid model (118) to obtain simulated grid data (119). A combined impact of the first suggested interconnect (116) and the at least one other suggested interconnect on the grid may be determined from the simulated grid data (119).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. application No. 63 / 477,526, filed on December 28, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates to electric grids, and in particular to evaluating the technical impact of proposed electric grid interconnections to determine an optimal set of interconnections, eg, those that provide the most additional clean energy capacity. Background Art

[0004] The electric grid transmits electricity to loads such as homes and commercial buildings. Interconnections to the grid can be generated by power generation resources, including renewable energy sources. Interconnections to the grid can also be new loads, such as new buildings. Adding interconnections to the grid can affect the condition of the grid, and the grid can be simulated to determine this impact. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This specification describes techniques for evaluating the technical impact of potential grid interconnections to determine an optimal set of interconnections to a grid system by simulating the impact of the proposed interconnections on the existing grid. The grid interconnection simulation system can be used, for example, by a grid operator, such as a utility company that manages an interconnection queue.

[0006] Before permitting the installation of an interconnection, grid operators can use simulation systems to simulate grid operations. Because the process of proposing new interconnections can take years, there are often multiple pending proposed interconnections at any given time, and various combinations of interactions between the proposed interconnections can exist. The simulation system described herein can determine optimal site and asset configurations for interconnections to the grid over longer timeframes and with concurrent considerations, including the implementation of increased hosting capacity. The simulation system can perform interconnection analysis of potential grid configurations proposed over long timeframes (e.g., 5, 7, 10 years, etc.), including configurations with limited durations, using various combinations of proposed interconnections, and running simulations across a range of conditions and outputs, including pass / fail decisions based on multiple metrics for each proposed configuration. Based on the simulation results, the grid operator can determine whether to approve, reject, or modify the proposed interconnection combination. In some embodiments, the grid operator can determine how to allocate grid upgrade costs among multiple proposed interconnections.

[0007] Certain embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. The techniques described below can be used to determine a recommended combination of proposed interconnections by simulating proposed grid modifications using multiple combinations of proposed interconnections, even if a specific combination has not yet been formally requested in an interconnection queue. Using the combined impact assessments from these simulations, a set of proposed interconnections with the most favorable impact assessment can be determined. For example, a favorable impact assessment can indicate that implementing the proposed set of interconnections will likely provide technical benefits to the grid, such as improved reliability and / or increased production and use of green energy. For example, a favorable impact assessment for a proposed set of interconnections can indicate that the proposed interconnections are connected to the grid at locations and in a sequence that can be electrically supported by the current grid. Thus, the system can determine that the proposed interconnections will likely result in a favorable impact on the operation of the grid while minimizing negative impacts on the operation of the grid. As another example, improvements to the operation of the grid can include changes to battery energy storage charge and discharge profiles, or changes to set points for power electronics.

[0008] Furthermore, the techniques can be used to determine combinations of proposed interconnections that could result in adverse conditions for the grid and protect the integrity of the grid by prohibiting such combinations. Furthermore, the techniques of the present specification can provide recommendations for addressing predicted security violations, such as revised asset selection and operating characteristics.

[0009] In general, the innovative aspects of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a method comprising the following acts: accessing a power grid model, which may include a topological representation of a power grid and electrical specifications of grid components; obtaining first interconnection data representing a first proposed interconnection to the power grid; selecting at least one other proposed interconnection to the power grid from a plurality of different proposed interconnections; generating a modified power grid model by at least incorporating the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection into the power grid model; performing a simulation of the power grid using the modified power grid model to obtain simulated power grid data having the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection; and determining, based on the simulated power grid data, a combined impact of the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection on the power grid. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs configured to perform the acts of the method encoded on a computer storage device.

[0010] These and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0011] In some implementations, the method may include generating a permutation of suggested interconnections from at least the first suggested interconnection and at least one other suggested interconnection.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may include generating a set of modified grid models for the set of proposed interconnection permutations.

[0013] In some implementations, performing a simulation of the electric grid using the modified electric grid model includes performing a simulation of the set of modified electric grid models.

[0014] In some implementations, determining the combined impact can include applying evaluation criteria.

[0015] In some implementations, evaluation criteria may include one or more conditions and one or more values.

[0016] In some implementations, the evaluation criteria may include a machine learning model.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one other proposed interconnect shares a feeder with the first proposed interconnect.

[0018] In some embodiments, the expected implementation date of the at least one other proposed interconnection and the expected implementation date of the first proposed interconnection are within a configured time period.

[0019] In some implementations, determining the combined impact may include: evaluating the rule by matching the predicted security violation to a condition specified in the rule; and responsive to determining that the predicted security violation matches the condition, providing a recommended adjustment predicted to remediate the predicted security violation.

[0020] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 An example of an environment for determining an optimal mesh interconnect is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for determining an optimal mesh interconnection.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example computer system.

[0024] Like reference numbers and designations throughout the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Increasing grid interconnection can improve grid operation, for example, by increasing capacity and including clean and renewable energy sources such as solar systems. Furthermore, as electricity demand continues to evolve, the grid may experience additions and changes almost continuously. New buildings, renewable power plants, fixed storage, mobile storage, and expansions to existing buildings, facilities, and loads are some examples of potential changes that could be proposed and made to existing distribution feeders.

[0026] One type of interconnection to the grid is an inverter-connected resource, which takes direct current (DC) (e.g., from solar cells) and converts the DC to alternating current (AC). Inverter-connected resources can include distributed energy resources (DERs), which can be small-scale power supply resources (such as solar units) or power storage resources (such as battery storage) that are interconnected to the grid.

[0027] Before new equipment and systems, including inverter-connected resources, are connected to the grid, it is typically necessary to receive approval from the grid operator for the proposed changes. The grid operator ensures that the proposed changes are unlikely to cause the operation of distribution feeders to violate any restrictions or metrics that exist to ensure safe and reliable operation of the grid. However, the grid is quite complex, and adding interconnections may lead to unexpected or unintended consequences.

[0028] To reduce the likelihood of adverse scenarios, grid operators (such as utility companies) can use grid interconnection simulation systems to determine the impact of adding interconnections. Simulation systems can also be used by project developers, property owners, construction companies, and any other interested parties interested in making additions and / or changes to the grid. Before allowing the installation of an interconnection, grid operators can use simulation systems to simulate grid operation with a proposed interconnection. The simulation system can perform interconnection analysis across a range of conditions and output results, including pass / fail decisions across multiple metrics. In some implementations, the simulation system can determine that aspects of the grid should be upgraded to support one or more new interconnections.

[0029] Based on the simulation results, the system can evaluate multiple metrics, which may include voltage constraint violations, voltage variability, voltage transients, thermal limitations, feedback constraints, capacity constraints, and overvoltages. In some examples, the evaluation results of each metric may be a "pass" or "fail" result. When a "pass" result is output, the system may provide a margin for operating constraints. When a "fail" result is output, the system may provide specific failure factors, the timing, frequency, and duration of the failure condition, and the location of one or more failures. The system may also provide recommended changes to the proposed interconnection and / or the grid that would be required to achieve a "pass" result. Recommendations made by the system may include, for example, curtailment of electrical assets, reconstruction, addition of storage, voltage control, modification of operating parameters, equipment sizing, protection schemes, and the like. Thus, the simulation enables the grid operator to determine whether to approve, reject, or modify the proposed interconnection.

[0030] In addition to evaluating each proposed interconnection individually, the order in which grid changes occur (including adding interconnections) can significantly impact grid operations. A project that includes both solar interconnection and feeder upgrades can enable the subsequent connection of additional clean energy resources, while simply adding clean energy resources without performing feeder upgrades can impact grid reliability. Since grid operators often consider multiple proposed projects for approval, each of which may have multiple proposed grid changes, it can be beneficial to evaluate the impact of each proposed grid change and the order in which the proposed grid changes occur on the proposed project and in relation to other proposed projects. Furthermore, when only a subset of the proposed projects can be accommodated, it can be useful to select the projects that offer the most technical benefits. For example, the project that offers the greatest technical benefit may be the one that provides the most renewable energy or the greatest improvement in grid reliability. In some examples, the project that offers the most technical benefit may be the one that provides the greatest improvement in grid reliability without requiring upgrades to feeders or other grid components. In some examples, the project that offers the greatest technical benefit may be the one that includes new loads positioned relative to distributed energy resources to minimize any negative impacts on grid reliability and / or the environment. Therefore, when considering multiple projects, it is beneficial to simulate the grid to determine which configurations offer different types of benefits and impacts on the grid.

[0031] Figure 1 An example of an environment 100 for determining an optimal mesh interconnect is shown. The environment may include an interconnection determination system 101, a model repository 190, and a connection submitter 199.

[0032] Model repository 190 can store power grid model 114 (for simplicity, grid model 114). Model repository 190 can be any storage system or collection of storage systems suitable for storing a grid model. For example, model repository 190 can include one or more relational databases, object databases, block storage systems, file systems, and the like, as well as any combination thereof. Model repository 190 can provide grid model 114 to interconnection determination system 101.

[0033] The grid may be an electric power grid that delivers electricity to loads such as residences and commercial buildings. Grid model 114 may include models of real-world grid assets. Grid model 114 may include a topological representation of the grid, electrical specifications of grid components, and empirical operating characteristics. Grid model 114 may be specific to a particular geographic region (e.g., a particular city) or electrical region (e.g., a particular feeder). Grid model 114 may also optionally include models of one or more previously proposed interconnections 116 to the grid, e.g., proposed interconnections 116 that have not yet been constructed. Grid model 114 is sufficiently detailed to accurately simulate and represent the steady-state, dynamic, and transient operation of the grid.

[0034] In some examples, grid model 114 may include a complete electrical model of the feeder to which the proposed interconnect will be connected. For example, grid model 114 may include a high-resolution electrical model of one or more distribution feeders. Grid model 114 may include data models of, for example, substation transformers, distribution switches and reclosers, voltage regulation schemes (e.g., tapped magnetics or switched capacitors), network transformers, load transformers, inverters, generators, and various loads. Grid model 114 may include line models, such as electrical models of distribution lines. Grid model 114 may also include electrical models of fixed and switched line capacitors and other grid components and equipment.

[0035] A line model can include multiple segments that can represent the interconnections between poles. In the case of underground pipelines, segments can represent the interconnections between risers or between underground connections (e.g., transformers and meters). In some examples, the line model can be represented by equivalent inductors and resistors for the associated line lengths, as well as capacitors. In some examples, the line model can include models for the mutual inductance between lines, the capacitance between lines, and the capacitance from the line to ground. Line model attributes can be based on the line's connection type and the type of conductor used. Line model attributes can also be based on construction details, such as whether the line is overhead or underground.

[0036] Grid model 114 may be calibrated using measured grid data. The measured grid data may include historical grid operation data. The historical grid operation data may be collected over a period of time (e.g., weeks, months, or years) during grid operation. In some examples, the historical grid operation data may be averaged historical operation data. For example, the historical grid operation data may include the power load on a substation during specific hours of the year, averaged over multiple years. In another example, the historical grid operation data may include the number of voltage violations on the grid during specific hours of the year, perhaps averaged over multiple years, or otherwise statistically represented.

[0037] In some examples, grid model 114 may include default conditions. For example, grid model 114 may include measurement data for certain locations on the grid and may not include measurement data for other locations. Grid model 114 may use default conditions to interpolate grid operational data for locations where measurements are unavailable. Default conditions may include, for example, a default ratio or relationship between load at industrial locations on the grid compared to load at residential locations on the grid, or a default condition for load growth due to climate change.

[0038] In some examples, grid model 114 may include measurement data for certain time intervals (e.g., certain hours) and may not include measurement data for other time intervals. Grid model 114 may use default conditions to estimate or interpolate grid operational data for time intervals for which measurements are unavailable. The default condition may be, for example, a default relationship between loads at a particular location during the nighttime compared to during the daytime. In another example, the default condition may be a default relationship between loads at a particular location during an hour of the day in the summer compared to the same hour of the day in the winter.

[0039] In some examples, grid model 114 may include measurement data for certain characteristics (e.g., electrical load) and may not include measurement data for other characteristics. Grid model 114 may use default conditions to estimate grid operational data for characteristics for which measurement is unavailable. The default conditions may be, for example, a default relationship between load and voltage at a particular location on the grid.

[0040] In some examples, the measurement data can be used to resolve and reduce errors caused by default conditions in the grid model 114. For example, the measurement data may conflict with the default conditions. The default conditions can be updated based on the measurement data. For example, if the default relationship between loads at a specific location during an hour of a summer day conflicts with measurement data of the relationship between loads at the specific location during an hour of a summer day, the default relationship can be updated based on the measurement data.

[0041] In some examples, the grid model 114 may include default conditions that include default values in place of missing or incomplete data. In some examples, the grid model 114 may implement worst-case analysis using worst-case default conditions.

[0042] Proposed interconnection 116 may include interconnection data that specifies changes to the electrical grid that would occur if the proposed interconnection 116 were implemented. Proposed interconnection 116 may include complete electrical models of all elements that would be added to the electrical grid, indications of any elements that would be removed, and / or complete electrical models of elements that would be changed as a result of proposed interconnection 116. Proposed interconnection 116 may also include various metadata, such as an expected implementation date, the party submitting the proposed interconnection 116, a date by which a response is required, projected carbon savings and / or other environmental benefits, project priority, and the like.

[0043] Interconnection determination system 101 can use grid model 114 and proposed interconnections 116 to simulate the operation of a grid or a subset of a grid to determine an optimal interconnection based on value criteria. Interconnection determination system 101 can include a grid model acquisition engine 110, an interconnection data acquisition engine 120, an interconnection selection engine 130, a grid generation engine 140, a grid simulation engine 150, and an impact determination engine 160.

[0044] The grid model retrieval engine 110 may use any suitable model retrieval technique to retrieve the grid model 114 from the grid model repository 190. For example, if the model repository 190 comprises a relational database, the grid model retrieval engine 110 may use Structured Query Language (SQL) operations to retrieve the grid model 114. In another example, if the model repository 190 comprises a file system, the grid model retrieval engine 110 may use file system operations to retrieve the grid model 114.

[0045] In some examples, grid model deriving engine 110 may responsive to receiving input to derive grid model 114. For example, grid model deriving engine 110 may responsive to receiving a request from a grid operator to evaluate a proposed interconnection.

[0046] The interconnection data acquisition engine 120 may obtain proposed interconnections 116 from connection submitters 199. Proposed interconnections 116 may include data describing any potential changes to existing distribution feeders in the power grid. Distribution feeders distribute electricity from substations in the bulk power system to consumer loads. Feeders are powered by large substation transformers at the substations and include load, network, or service transformers for distributed loads. Proposed interconnections 116 may include, for example, new buildings, renewable power plants, or fixed or mobile power storage facilities. Proposed interconnections 116 may also include energy storage, load shifting (e.g., electric vehicle charging, electric water heating, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) conditioning, etc.), and upgraded grid infrastructure (e.g., larger line sizes, transformer upgrades, etc.). Proposed interconnections 116 may also include, for example, expansions to existing buildings, facilities, or power loads. Interconnection data for proposed interconnections 116 to the power grid may include, for example, the location, size, positioning, power output / load, or connection stage of the proposed interconnection 116, and a timeline for the connection.

[0047] A connection submitter 199 may be any party authorized to submit a proposed interconnection 116. Examples of connection submitters 199 may include project developers, property owners, and construction companies, as described above.

[0048] Interconnect selection engine 130 may select a plurality of suggested interconnects 116 and provide suggested interconnects 116 to mesh generation engine 140. Mesh generation engine 140 may apply suggested interconnects 116 to mesh model 114 to produce candidate mesh model 118 for simulation. Candidate mesh model 118 may be mesh model 114 that represents the mesh that would exist after applying suggested interconnects 116.

[0049] For example, the topological representation of grid model 114 may include a graphical representation of a power grid, where different types of grid components are represented by different classes, and each grid component is represented by an object of a particular class. Grid generation engine 140 may add an object of a class defining each proposed interconnection 116 to grid model 114. For example, each object defining a proposed interconnection 116 may have attributes, such as interconnection data, that define the proposed interconnection 116. As another example, if grid model 114 includes a graphical representation of a power grid, grid generation engine 140 may add an icon representing the proposed interconnection 116 to grid model 114.

[0050] Grid simulation engine 150 may run one or more grid simulations using candidate grid model 118 to generate simulation results 119, and may provide simulation results 119 to impact determination engine 160. Impact determination engine 160 may determine the combined impact of applying proposed interconnection 116 to the power grid and may provide an impact assessment 195 reflecting the combined impact. For example, impact determination engine 160 may use assessment criteria 162 to determine impact assessment 195, as described below. Impact assessment 195 may include one or more impact values reflecting the impact of proposed interconnection 116. For example, a positive impact value may reflect a positive impact, and a negative impact value may reflect a negative impact. In some examples, the impact values may be continuous or binary. In some embodiments, the impact values may reflect a ranking of the acceptability of the proposed interconnection. In some embodiments, the impact values may each represent the impact of proposed interconnection 116 on a specific factor, such as an electrical factor or a safety factor. In some embodiments, the impact values may represent the combined impact of multiple factors.

[0051] Evaluation criteria 162 may associate impact assessments 195, or components of impact assessments 195, with properties of proposed interconnections 116 based on simulation results 119. For example, evaluation criteria 162 may state that proposed interconnections 116 that result in security violations are assigned large negative impact values (e.g., sufficiently negative values such that all such proposed interconnections 116 will be rejected), that proposed interconnections 116 that result in grid reliability improvements are assigned positive values, etc. Both positive and negative values may be included in impact assessment 195 and / or the values may be combined to produce a single value for impact assessment 195, or a low-order vector of values summarizing the results.

[0052] In some embodiments, evaluation criteria 162 may include constraints and impact values, such that when the constraints are satisfied, the impact value is assigned. Constraints may be in any suitable form, such as Boolean expressions, which may depend on properties of one or more proposed interconnects 116, properties of the grid, simulation results 119, and other data available in the environment. Evaluation criteria 162 may be provided to interconnection determination system 101 by an authorized system administrator. As described above, the impact value generated from evaluation criteria 162 may be included in impact assessment 195 or used to generate impact assessment 195.

[0053] In some embodiments, the impact determination engine 160 can determine the impact values using one or more trained machine learning models 164 configured to provide one or more impact values and / or impact assessments 195 reflecting the predicted benefits of the proposed interconnect 116. The impact determination engine 160 can use the machine learning models 164 to process inputs that may include any attributes of the environment (e.g., attributes of one or more proposed interconnects 116, attributes of the grid, simulation results 119, etc.) to generate such values and / or impact assessments 195.

[0054] As described above, the impact assessment 195 may include any data related to the simulation results, which may include the values of any electrical characteristics produced by the simulation, including characteristics created during intermediate stages of the simulation, any standards met or violated during the simulation, including safety standards, value metrics associated with the candidate grid model 118, etc. For example, the impact assessment 195 may be provided to an authorized party by representing the data in a graphical user interface for display on a user device, providing the data in a suitable encoding (e.g., in Extensible Markup Language (XML)), storing the data on a storage system (e.g., a file system or database), using other techniques, or a combination of techniques.

[0055] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for determining an optimal mesh interconnection. For convenience, process 200 will be described as being performed by a system for determining an optimal mesh interconnection, e.g. Figure 1 The interconnection determination system 101 is appropriately programmed to perform the process. The operations of process 200 may also be implemented as instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media that may be non-transitory, and execution of the instructions by one or more data processing devices may cause the one or more data processing devices to perform the operations of process 200. One or more other components described herein may perform the operations of process 200.

[0056] The system may access (210) a grid model that includes a topological representation of the grid and electrical specifications of the grid components. The system may access the grid model using any suitable technique. For example, if the grid model is stored on a file system, the system may access the grid model using file system operations, and if the grid model is stored in a relational database, the system may access the grid model using SQL operations.

[0057] The system may obtain (220) first interconnection data representing a first proposed interconnection to the electrical grid. In some embodiments, the system may include an application programming interface (API) configured to accept a proposed interconnection including the interconnection data. An authorized submitter may call the API to provide the interconnection data to provide one or more proposed interconnections. In some embodiments, the authorized submitter may provide the interconnection data to the storage system, and the system may obtain the interconnection data using a technique appropriate for the storage system.

[0058] The system may select (230) at least one other proposed interconnection to the power grid from a plurality of different proposed interconnections. The plurality of different proposed interconnections may be obtained using the technique of operation 220 or using other suitable techniques. In some embodiments, the system may perform process 200 using the first proposed interconnection (obtained in operation 220) and other possible arrangements of the other proposed interconnections. In some embodiments, the system may determine all permutations that include combinations of the first proposed interconnection with other proposed interconnections from the plurality of different proposed interconnections. For example, if the first proposed interconnection is denoted as A, and there are proposed interconnections denoted as B and C, the permutations would include: {A, B}, {B, A}, {A, C}, {C, A}, {A, B, C}, {A, C, B}, {B, A, C}, {B, C, A}, {C, A, B}, and {C, B, A}. Because the order in which the proposed interconnections are connected to the power grid may be relevant in some cases, the system may use permutations rather than combinations. In cases where the order of connection to the power grid is less relevant, the system may simulate different combinations of the proposed interconnections. For example, the order may be more relevant if the set of possible interconnections includes different types of interconnections (e.g., loads, sources, and power storage), whereas the order may be less relevant if all types of interconnections are the same (e.g., all loads or sources). The order in which storage is added may also be important because once storage is available, any excess storage capacity can be made available to other users.

[0059] In some embodiments, the system can select at least one other suggested interconnect from the suggested interconnects to the same feeder. The feeder indicated in the suggested interconnect obtained in operation 220 can be identified and compared with the feeders of the suggested interconnects of all other suggested interconnects. When the feeder indicated in the suggested interconnect corresponds to a feeder of another suggested interconnect, the other suggested interconnect can be included in the permutation. By limiting the number of suggested interconnects considered, the system can limit the computing resources required to perform the simulation.

[0060] In some embodiments, the system may select at least one other suggested interconnection from the suggested interconnections that are suggested to occur within a configured duration (e.g., 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, etc.). The expected implementation date indicated in the suggested interconnection obtained in operation 220 may be identified and compared to the expected implementation dates of all other suggested interconnections. When the proposed implementation date is within the configured duration, the other suggested interconnection may be included in the permutation or combination. As described above, by limiting the number of suggested interconnections considered, the system may limit the computing resources required to perform the simulation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the system will perform simulations using the first proposed interconnection and a subset of other proposed interconnections. For example, the system can limit the combinations to proposed interconnections within a specified distance, which can be a geographic or electrical distance defined by the potential interactions between the proposed interconnections, thereby excluding interconnections that will not interact or whose interactions are sufficiently small to be negligible. In another example, the system can limit the combinations of proposed interconnections to a specific load area, such as an area managed by a single operator. In this case, the system can determine a permutation that includes the first proposed interconnection and other proposed interconnections that meet a distance threshold.

[0062] Once the proposed interconnections have been identified, the system can select a first permutation from among these permutations. Based on the first permutation, the system can determine the other proposed interconnections to be simulated, as well as the order in which the proposed interconnections will be applied in the simulation. The proposed interconnections included in the permutations and used to determine the modified power grid can be referred to as a set of proposed interconnections. In various embodiments, the system can select the first permutation randomly or pseudo-randomly. The system can select a smaller permutation for the first permutation (e.g., a permutation with only one other proposed interconnection). The system can select successively larger permutations for subsequent permutations (e.g., permutations with two or more other proposed interconnections). The system can store an indication that the first permutation has been selected, thereby not subsequently selecting the first permutation, and once a permutation has been selected, it can be removed from the permutation list.

[0063] The system may generate (240) a modified grid model by at least incorporating interconnections from a set of suggested interconnections including the first interconnection and at least one other suggested interconnection into the grid model. The system may modify the grid (obtained in operation 210) by applying the proposed modification specified by the permutation selected in operation 230. Specifically, the system may generate a modified grid model that would exist after applying each suggested interconnection in the permutation. For example, if the permutation {A, B} is selected, then as a result of applying suggested interconnection A to the grid model, a first modified grid model will be generated, and as a result of applying suggested interconnection B to the first modified grid model, a second modified grid model will be generated.

[0064] The system may perform (250) a simulation of the grid using the modified grid model to obtain simulated grid data having a first proposed interconnection and at least one other proposed interconnection. The simulation may be based on, for example, root mean square (RMS), power flow, positive sequence, and / or time series voltage transient analysis. In some embodiments, the system may simulate only the modified grid model that exists after all of the proposed interconnections have been applied. In some embodiments, the system may simulate each of a plurality of modified grid models created as the proposed interconnections are applied sequentially. This simulation approach provides an impact assessment for each stage, capturing interim benefits and risks that may not be expressed in the final impact assessment. In some embodiments, the system may simulate a subset of the plurality of modified grid models created as the proposed interconnections are applied sequentially.

[0065] For each simulation, the interconnection simulation system can perform a comprehensive interconnection assessment using a simplified set of input data. The interconnection simulation system can perform rapid simulations of various dynamic grid operating conditions over a simulation period, for example, based on historical grid data. Simulations can include predicted operating conditions over discrete time intervals (e.g., every hour of a simulation year).

[0066] The simulation system can simulate the interconnection impacts on the power grid under various forecast load conditions, including variations due to factors such as seasonal effects, calendar effects, and time of day effects. The interconnection simulation system can simulate interconnection impacts at multiple locations on the power grid. The interconnection simulation system can simulate various electrical operating characteristics, such as current, voltage, power factor, load, etc., at multiple locations over an extended simulation period.

[0067] The amount of data processed during each simulation can depend on the size and configuration of the distribution feeder to which the proposed interconnection will be connected. The simulation can analyze the predicted effects of all connections to the affected distribution feeder and all components of the affected distribution feeder. Therefore, the complexity of the simulation can vary depending on the configuration of the distribution feeder.

[0068] For example, the simulation can vary depending on the length, power, and number of loads of the distribution feeder. Typical distribution feeder lengths can range from approximately one mile to ten miles. Typical distribution feeder power can range from approximately one megawatt to ten megawatts. The number of loads connected to the feeder can range from a few hundred residential loads to several thousand residential loads. In some cases, there may be as few as a few dozen commercial or industrial loads, as many as a few hundred.

[0069] The configuration of distribution feeders can also vary based on location. In urban environments, residential loads typically share a transformer. In rural environments, each residential load may have a separate transformer. Commercial and industrial loads are typically served by three-phase transformers. Therefore, the number of loads and transformers in a feeder can be as low as a few hundred loads and a few hundred transformers for rural feeders. The number of loads and transformers in a feeder can be as high as thousands of loads, with hundreds of single-phase transformers in urban environments coupled with dozens or hundreds of larger three-phase loads and transformers.

[0070] In some examples, the system can simulate the operation of multiple feeders. For example, a simulation can include analysis of the operation of all feeders across a geographic region (e.g., a city, county, province, or state). In some cases, the system can model the operation of each individual feeder within the region and aggregate the results to model the operation of multiple feeders across the region.

[0071] In some cases, the system can model the impact of multiple feeders on each other's operations. For example, multiple feeders may be connected to a shared substation transformer. The system can simulate the impact of transients on one feeder on another feeder connected to the same transformer.

[0072] The system can analyze the expected operation of an interconnected power grid by applying empirical historical data to a model of the power grid. The empirical historical data can include historical power grid characteristics based on, for example, measurements, calculations, estimates, and interpolations. Characteristics can include, for example, load, voltage, current, and power factor. The empirical historical data can represent power grid operation for multiple interconnected components within a specified geographic area. The empirical historical data can represent average power grid operating characteristics over a period of time (e.g., weeks, months, or years).

[0073] In some examples, the simulation can analyze the operation of the power grid before and after the proposed interconnection is added. For example, the system can use the power grid model to generate pre-interconnection simulated power grid data or simulation results. The pre-interconnection simulation results can include electrical operating characteristics of the power grid during the simulation period without the proposed interconnection.

[0074] The system may determine (260) a combined impact for a set of proposed interconnections based on the simulated grid data, the set of proposed interconnections comprising a first interconnection and at least one other proposed interconnection on the grid. The system may evaluate a number of factors to determine the combined impact. For example, various factors such as improved stability, improved reliability, additional power introduced, safety violations, etc. may be determined from the simulated grid data. Factors may also include information provided in the proposed interconnections, such as carbon savings and other environmental benefits.

[0075] The system may include one or more models that map factors to combined effects. In some embodiments, the model may be a linear model in which each factor includes a scaled value. For example, the model may be of the form:

[0076]

[0077] The size of the security violation can be set to an arbitrarily large number (e.g., -∞) so that proposed interconnections that result in a security violation will be rejected.

[0078] In some embodiments, in response to determining that a security violation is predicted, the system may determine a recommended adjustment predicted to remedy the violation. The system may include rules that, for each type of security violation, indicate corrective adjustments to address the security violation. Such rules may apply to a wide range of grid components and security violations and may be provided to the system as configuration information by a system administrator or other authorized user.

[0079] The type of safety violation can be described by a condition in a rule. For example, a condition could specify a specific type of safety violation (e.g., excessive loading) for a specific type of component (e.g., transformer), a specific type of component (e.g., transformer from a specific manufacturer), or a specific brand and model of component (e.g., a specific model of transformer from a specific manufacturer). Rules can also apply to the magnitude of the safety violation (e.g., minor load limit violation, major load limit violation, etc.).

[0080] The system can evaluate rules by matching predicted safety violations from simulations with the conditions specified in the rule. If multiple conditions match, the system can apply the most specific rule. For example, if one condition specifies the brand of the transformer and a second condition specifies the brand and model of the transformer, and both conditions are met, the system will select the condition that specifies the brand and model because it is the more specific description.

[0081] The result of the match can be a recommended adjustment. For example, if the safety violation specifies excessive load, the recommended adjustment can be upgrading the transformer or line. In another example, the system can recommend adding a new power source before the new load. The system can provide the recommended adjustment as part of the impact assessment, as further described with reference to operation 270.

[0082] In some embodiments, the model can be a machine learning model configured to generate a combined impact. The system can use the machine learning model to process inputs including factors, and the result can be a combined impact. In some embodiments, the combined impact can include one or more values calculated using the model as well as other factors, such as an indication of a security breach or other risk.

[0083] The system may use various techniques to provide (270) the interconnection impacts. For example, the system may store the interconnection impacts of the set of suggested interconnections on a storage system using techniques suitable for the storage system (e.g., by storing the interconnection impacts in a relational database using SQL operations). In some embodiments, the system may provide the interconnection impacts as data transmitted to the authorized party. For example, the system may encode the interconnection impacts as XML and transmit the XML using any suitable network protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or HTTP Secure (HTTP-S). In some embodiments, the system may provide the interconnection impacts as user interface presentation data that, when rendered by a client device, causes the client device to render a user interface that includes information about the interconnection impacts.

[0084] In some embodiments, the system may determine (275) whether additional sets of suggested interconnections require evaluation. If so, the system may return to operation 230; if not, the process may proceed to operation 285. In some embodiments, the system may consult the permutation list (created in operation 230) and, if the list is non-empty, the system may determine that additional interconnection data does require evaluation.

[0085] The system may determine (285) a recommended suggested interconnect. As described with reference to operation 270, the system may store the combined impact of each evaluated set of suggested interconnects. The system may determine the set of suggested interconnects with the most favorable combined impact (e.g., the set of suggested interconnects with the largest combined impact value) from the evaluated sets of suggested interconnects. The system may provide the recommended suggested interconnects, for example, using the techniques of operation 270 or similar techniques.

[0086] Figure 3 3 is a block diagram of an example computer system 300 that can be used to perform the operations described above. System 300 includes a processor 310, a memory 320, a storage device 330, and an input / output device 340. Each of components 310, 320, 330, and 340 can be interconnected, for example, using a system bus 350. Processor 310 is capable of processing instructions for execution within system 300. In one embodiment, processor 310 is a single-threaded processor. In another embodiment, processor 310 is a multi-threaded processor. Processor 310 is capable of processing instructions stored in memory 320 or on storage device 330.

[0087] Memory 320 stores information within system 300. In one embodiment, memory 320 is a computer-readable medium. In one embodiment, memory 320 is a volatile memory unit. In another embodiment, memory 320 is a non-volatile memory unit.

[0088] The storage device 330 can provide mass storage for the system 300. In one embodiment, the storage device 330 is a computer-readable medium. In various embodiments, the storage device 330 may include, for example, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a storage device shared by multiple computing devices over a network (e.g., a cloud storage device), or some other mass storage device.

[0089] The input / output devices 340 provide input / output operations for the system 300. In one embodiment, the input / output devices 340 may include one or more of a network interface device (e.g., an Ethernet card), a serial communication device (e.g., an RS-232 port), and / or a wireless interface device (e.g., an 802.11 card). In another embodiment, the input / output devices may include a driver device configured to receive input data and send output data to other input / output devices (e.g., a keyboard, a printer, and a display device 360). However, other embodiments may also be used, such as a mobile computing device, a mobile communication device, a set-top television client device, etc.

[0090] Although already Figure 3 An example processing system is described in the specification, but the subject matter and implementation of the functional operations described in this specification may be implemented in other types of digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of them.

[0091] Embodiments of the subject matter and functional operations described in this specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or a combination of one or more thereof. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented using one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium, which are used to be executed by a data processing device or to control the operation of the data processing device. The computer-readable medium may be a manufactured product, such as a hard drive in a computer system or an optical disc sold through a retail channel, or an embedded system. The computer-readable medium may be obtained separately and later encoded with one or more modules of computer program instructions, such as by delivering one or more modules of computer program instructions via a wired or wireless network. The computer-readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0092] The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all devices, equipment, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a runtime environment, or a combination of one or more of these. Furthermore, the apparatus may employ a variety of different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

[0093] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any suitable form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any suitable form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0094] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0095] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, dedicated microprocessors. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices. However, a computer need not have such devices. Furthermore, a computer may be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile audio or video player, game console, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or portable storage device (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive), to name a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0096] Throughout this specification, the term "engine" is used broadly to refer to a software-based system, subsystem, or process that is programmed to perform one or more specific functions. Typically, an engine will be implemented as one or more software modules or components installed on one or more computers in one or more locations. In some cases, one or more computers will be dedicated to a specific engine; in other cases, multiple engines may be installed and run on the same computer or computers.

[0097] To provide for user interaction, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computing device capable of providing information to the user. The information can be provided to the user in any sensory format, including visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination thereof. The computing device can be coupled to a display device, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) display device, an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display device, another monitor, a head-mounted display device, or the like, for displaying information to the user. The computing device can be coupled to an input device. Input devices can include a touch screen, a keyboard, and a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which a user can provide input to the computing device. Other types of devices can also be used to provide for user interaction; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any suitable form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any suitable form, including sound, voice, or tactile input.

[0098] A computing system may include clients and servers. The clients and servers are typically remote from each other and typically interact via a communications network. The client-server relationship arises through the use of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. Embodiments of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), a front-end component (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected via any suitable form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communications network). Examples of communications networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), internetworks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0099] Although this specification contains many implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what is claimed or may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to a particular embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, or unless the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art expressly states otherwise, any feature of the above-described embodiments may be combined with any other feature of the above-described embodiments.

[0100] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequence, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and / or parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0101] Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: accessing a power grid model, the power grid model including a topological representation of the power grid and electrical specifications of grid components; obtaining first interconnection data representing a first proposed interconnection to the electrical grid; selecting at least one other proposed interconnection to the electrical grid from a plurality of different proposed interconnections; generating a modified grid model by at least incorporating the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection into the grid model; performing a simulation of the power grid using the modified power grid model to obtain simulated power grid data having the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection; and A combined impact of the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection on the electrical grid is determined from the simulated electrical grid data.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: An arrangement of suggested interconnections is generated from at least the first suggested interconnection and the at least one other suggested interconnection.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , further comprising: A set of modified grid models is generated for a set of the proposed interconnection arrangements.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein: Performing a simulation of the electrical grid using the modified electrical grid model includes performing a simulation of the set of modified electrical grid models.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: Determining the combined impact includes applying an assessment criterion.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein: The evaluation criteria include one or more conditions and one or more values.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein: The evaluation criteria include a machine learning model.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The at least one other proposed interconnect shares a feeder line with the first proposed interconnect.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The expected implementation date of at least one other proposed interconnection and the expected implementation date of the first proposed interconnection are within a configured time period.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: Determining the combined impact includes: evaluating the rule by matching the predicted security violation to the conditions specified in the rule; and In response to determining that the predicted security violation matches the condition, a recommended adjustment predicted to fix the predicted security violation is provided.

11. A system comprising one or more computers and one or more storage devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: accessing a power grid model, the power grid model including a topological representation of the power grid and electrical specifications of grid components; obtaining first interconnection data representing a first proposed interconnection to the electrical grid; selecting at least one other proposed interconnection to the electrical grid from a plurality of different proposed interconnections; generating a modified grid model by at least incorporating the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection into the grid model; performing a simulation of the power grid using the modified power grid model to obtain simulated power grid data having the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection; and A combined impact of the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection on the electrical grid is determined from the simulated electrical grid data.

12. The system of claim 11, the operations further comprising: An arrangement of suggested interconnections is generated from at least the first suggested interconnection and the at least one other suggested interconnection.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: A set of modified grid models is generated for a set of the proposed interconnection arrangements.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: Performing a simulation of the electrical grid using the modified electrical grid model includes performing a simulation of the set of modified electrical grid models.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein Determining the combined impact includes applying an assessment criterion.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The evaluation criteria include a machine learning model.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one other proposed interconnect shares a feeder line with the first proposed interconnect.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The expected implementation date of at least one other proposed interconnection and the expected implementation date of the first proposed interconnection are within a configured time period.

19. The system according to claim 11, wherein: Determining the combined impact includes: evaluating the rule by matching the predicted security violation to the conditions specified in the rule; and In response to determining that the predicted security violation matches the condition, a recommended adjustment predicted to fix the predicted security violation is provided.

20. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: accessing a power grid model, the power grid model including a topological representation of the power grid and electrical specifications of grid components; obtaining first interconnection data representing a first proposed interconnection to the electrical grid; selecting at least one other proposed interconnection to the electrical grid from a plurality of different proposed interconnections; generating a modified grid model by at least incorporating the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection into the grid model; performing a simulation of the power grid using the modified power grid model to obtain simulated power grid data having the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection; and A combined impact of the first proposed interconnection and the at least one other proposed interconnection on the electrical grid is determined from the simulated electrical grid data.

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