Mitigating quality fluctuations caused by the volatility of renewable energy sources

Abstract

A method for mitigating excessive fluctuations in the quality of electricity in an electric grid due to instability of renewable energy sources, by collecting electricity production data including the power capacity of the electric grid, the location of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units connected to the electric grid, and the amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic electricity generating units; receiving a weather forecast including one or more locations, thicknesses, directions of motion, and speeds of motion of one or more clouds; calculating the location, direction of motion, speed of motion, and irradiance associated with a cloud shadow; calculating the impact and time of impact of the cloud shadow on the photovoltaic electricity generating units; and taking action before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic electricity generating units, such as reducing the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic electricity generating units, increasing the power input of the electricity generating units or electricity storage units, and connecting or disconnecting reactances from the grid, to mitigate excessive fluctuations in the quality of electricity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Field) The methods and apparatus disclosed herein relate to the field of electric grids, more particularly, but not exclusively, to electric distribution networks, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to managing the effects of production instability of renewable energy sources within distribution networks. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Renewable energy sources are being integrated into supply grids in increasing numbers and scales. Renewable energy sources are typically integrated into the medium-voltage portion of a distribution grid, and therefore, the power provided by each renewable energy system constitutes a significant portion of the total power of a particular distribution grid. The energy production of popular types of renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar systems, is unstable due to sudden changes in local wind speed or local solar irradiance. When such instantaneous changes in power production are introduced into a particular distribution grid, the power quality, i.e., voltage quality, may decrease below standard requirements. In other words, the voltage level may drop below the limits set by the relevant standards, or the instantaneous change in voltage may be more abrupt than the threshold set or approved by the local distribution system operator. Therefore, it would be highly advantageous to have a method and system without the above limitations for mitigating the effects of the instability of renewable energy sources. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] According to one exemplary embodiment, a system, method, and / or computer program is provided for mitigating excessive fluctuations in quality of electricity in an electric grid due to instability of renewable energy sources, the method, system, and / or computer program including: automatically collecting, by a local computer, electricity production data including a power capacity of the electric grid, a location of at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit connected to the electric grid, and an amount of electricity generated by the one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units; and automatically receiving, by the local computer, a weather forecast from one or more weather station computers, the weather forecast including one or more locations, thicknesses, directions of movement, and speeds of movement of one or more clouds. calculating one or more locations, directions of motion, speeds of motion, and amounts of irradiation for one or more cloud shadows; calculating impacts and times of impacts of the one or more cloud shadows on one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units; and performing one or more actions from a list of actions including reducing the power generation capacity of the one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units, increasing the power input of the one or more power generating units, providing power from an electrical storage unit, connecting a capacitance to a supply grid, disconnecting the capacitance from the supply grid, connecting an inductance to the supply grid, and disconnecting the inductance from the supply grid before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic electricity generating units.

[0004] According to another computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations within an electrical grid, the method includes determining a configuration of a portion of the electrical grid, the configuration including one or more power generating units, one or more power consumers, and an electrical grid interconnecting the one or more power generating units and the one or more power consumers; distributing a plurality of measurement devices within the electrical grid interconnecting the power generating units of the one or more power generating units and the one or more power consumers of the power generating units; automatically and continuously collecting, by a respective one or more power generating units, power input values ​​for one or more power inputs into the portion of the electrical grid; and automatically and continuously collecting a plurality of power transmission values ​​from a respective plurality of measurement devices. and automatically and continuously collecting weather forecasts for a predetermined future time frame, the weather forecasts being applied to one or more individual power generating units that provide individual power inputs within a portion of the electrical grid; automatically and continuously determining a predicted impact of each weather forecast on each power input and each measuring device to determine one or more weather-affected power generating units; and if the predicted impact exceeds a predetermined threshold, performing one or more actions such as reducing the power generation capacity of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units, increasing the power input of one or more power generating units, providing power from an electrical storage unit, or connecting or disconnecting a reactance from the grid.

[0005] According to yet another computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electric grid, the method includes distributing a plurality of cable measurement devices, each cable measurement device mounted on a cable of the electric grid, each cable measurement device capable of measuring one or more of a voltage on the cable, a current through the cable, solar irradiance, wind direction, and wind speed; and automatically collecting, by a local computer, electricity production data, the electricity production data including a power capacity of the electric grid, locations of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units connected to the electric grid, and electricity generation by the one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units. receiving one or more measurements from one or more of the cable measurement devices; calculating one or more locations, directions of motion, speeds of motion, and irradiances for the one or more cloud shadows; calculating impacts and times of impacts of the one or more cloud shadows on the one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units; and performing one or more actions before the cloud shadows reach the photovoltaic electricity generating units, such as reducing the power generation capacity of the one or more photovoltaic electricity generating units, increasing the power input of the one or more electricity generating units, providing power from an electricity storage unit, or connecting or disconnecting a reactance to or from a grid.

[0006] Additionally, according to another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes distributing a plurality of cable measurement devices, each cable measurement device mounted on a cable of the electrical grid, each cable measurement device capable of measuring one or more of a voltage on the cable, a current through the cable, solar irradiance, wind direction, and wind speed; receiving one or more measurements from one or more of the cable measurement devices; and calculating one or more locations, direction of movement, speed of movement, and irradiance for one or more cloud shadows.

[0007] Still further, according to another exemplary embodiment, the impact is calculated according to one or more of voltage quality, power quality, a change in voltage quality, a change in power quality, and a predetermined threshold.

[0008] Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes one or more of the following: the power transfer value includes a power quality value measured by one or more measuring devices of the plurality of measuring devices; the impact includes a power quality value measured by one or more measuring devices of the plurality of measuring devices; the power transfer value includes a voltage quality value measured by one or more measuring devices of the plurality of measuring devices; the impact includes a voltage quality value measured by one or more measuring devices of the plurality of measuring devices; and the voltage quality includes an expected deviation of the voltage measurement from a standard voltage value.

[0009] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the relevant art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Except to the extent necessary or essential in the process itself, no particular order is intended or implied for the steps or stages of the methods and processes described in this disclosure, including the figures. In many cases, the order of process steps can be varied without changing the purpose or effect of the described method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now specifically to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are merely by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of preferred embodiments, and are presented to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments.

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

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a distribution network connected to a power grid via transformer stations and monitored by a grid analysis system.

[0013] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified flowchart of a first basic computing process performed by the supply network analysis system.

[0014] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a simplified flowchart of a second alternative basic computing process performed by the supply network analysis system.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a simplified flowchart of a third alternative basic computing process performed by the supply network analysis system.

[0016] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of multiple cable devices mounted on individual electrical cables of an electrical distribution network and a fault detection and location system that includes some of the cable devices.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of a cable device mounted on an electrical cable and a dosimetry unit contained within the cable device, showing a slot for inserting the cable into the cable device.

[0018] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of an excerpt through a cable device mounted on an electrical cable and including a voltage measurement system.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a computing device such as may be used by a cable device or a grid analysis system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Description of the embodiment) The present embodiments comprise systems, methods, and / or computer programs for mitigating excessive quality fluctuations in the power provided by an electric grid, the fluctuations caused by typical instabilities of renewable energy sources that are part of the grid. In particular, the fluctuations are caused by changing weather conditions that affect the production of electricity by individual renewable energy sources, such as solar systems and wind turbines.

[0021] The principles and operation of systems, methods, and / or computer programs for mitigating weather impacts on power quality provided by an electric grid, according to some example embodiments, may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and accompanying description.

[0022] Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of the organization and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0023] Elements of the drawings labeled herein with numbers that are not described within the drawings but are described in previous drawings have the same purpose and description as in the previous drawing. Similarly, elements identified in the text by numbers that do not appear in the drawing described by the text have the same purpose and description as in the previous drawing in which they are described.

[0024] The drawings in this document are not intended to be to any scale. Different figures may use different scales, and different scales may even be used within the same figure. For example, different scales may exist for different views of the same object, or different scales may exist for two adjacent objects.

[0025] The phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctions and disjunctions in operation. For example, 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" each mean "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" refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0026] Also, it should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and "having" are all inclusive, open-ended, and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps and may be used interchangeably.

[0027] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an 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.

[0028] As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as "connected," although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0029] As used herein, the term "computing device" may refer to any type of computing machine, including, but not limited to, a computer, a portable computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile communication device, a network server, a cloud computer, etc., and any combination thereof. Such a computing device or computing machine may include any type of device or combination thereof, including, but not limited to, a processor or processing device, a memory device, a storage device, a user interface device, and / or a communication device.

[0030] The terms “execute,” “perform,” “compute,” “calculate,” etc. may refer to a processor of a computing device executing software program code embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium to achieve a result such as that described after any of the terms “execute,” “perform,” “compute,” “calculate,” etc.

[0031] The terms "client computing device," or "client device," or "user device," may refer to any type of computing device that is used or operated directly by a user. Such a device may include a user interface that may be used directly by the user, including means for user input and / or user output. Such a device may be communicatively coupled to another computing device, such as a network server, via a communications network.

[0032] Means for user input may include a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone, a camera, a touch-sensitive plate or display, means for user gesture control, means for tactile user control, and the like.

[0033] The means for user output may include a display and / or any other means for providing visual information, a speaker or earphones and / or any other means for providing audible information, means for providing tactile and / or haptic information, etc.

[0034] The term "mobile communication device" may refer to devices such as tablets, mobile phones, smartphones, etc.

[0035] The terms "network server" or "server" may refer to any type of "computing device" that is communicatively coupled to a communications network and may include cloud computers and the like.

[0036] The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any type or technology of digital communications, including, but not limited to, the Internet, WAN, LAN, MAN, PSDN, etc. Any of the above-mentioned technologies may be wired or wireless, e.g., wireless WANs such as WiMAX, WLAN (Wi-Fi), WPAN (Bluetooth®), etc. Wireless networking technologies may also include PLMNs and / or any type of cellular network. The term "communication network" or "network" may refer to any combination of communication technologies and 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 many network operators.

[0037] The term "application" may refer to a software program running on or executed by one or more processors of a computing device, particularly a mobile computing device such as a mobile phone, tablet, smartphone, and any other mobile or portable computing facility. The term "mobile application" may refer to an application executed by a mobile computing device.

[0038] In this document, the terms "electric transmission network," "electrical transmission network," "electricity transmission network," "electric power transmission," "power line," "power transmission," and "power grid" are used interchangeably and may relate to either or both underground and overhead transmission. The terms "grid" or "electric grid" or "electric network" may refer to an electric transmission network and / or an electric distribution network, and any portion of such a network between an electric power generation station or stations and a load or consumer.

[0039] The term "cable" or "electric cable" may refer to any single cable, or wire, or power line of a supply grid, such as a phase carrier cable. The term "cable device," or "measuring device," or "sensor" may refer to any device mounted on an electric cable of a supply grid, including a sensor, measuring device, communication device, etc. As a non-limiting example, a cable device may derive power from electric and / or magnetic fields around the electric cable, which may be generated by current flowing in the electric cable.

[0040] 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 an electrical parameter. Such parameters may be temperature, wind (including speed and / or direction), humidity, movement, height, (cable) depression, (cable) angle, etc. Such measurements are typically performed by cable devices mounted on the electrical cable.

[0041] A system of measurement devices can measure and compare various electrical parameters at multiple locations within an electrical cable, or electrical network, or electrical distribution grid to determine multiple measurements, the type and location of a particular parameter, and / or a phenomenon and / or a fault. Such measurements can be made at a point on the electrical cable, which may be in an intermediate cable, spaced apart from any poles or insulators supporting the cable. At such a point, the measurement device may not have any electrical contact with a reference point such as ground, zero, neutral, or common line.

[0042] In this regard, the voltage measurement device may be electrically coupled to the electrical 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, ground, common line, etc.).

[0043] The term "mid cable" may refer to any location or point along an electrical cable in which a cable device, or a sensor, or a measuring device may be mounted on the electrical cable, and the cable device, or the sensor, or the measuring device may not have access to or electrical contact with a reference potential, such as ground, zero line, common line, neutral line, etc.

[0044] The term "reference point" may refer to any such reference potential, such as ground, zero line, common line, neutral line, different phase power lines, reference plane, and the like.

[0045] The terms "electrically coupled," or "electrically connected," or simply "connected," can refer to direct (e.g., galvanic contact) or indirect electrical contact.

[0046] The term "ungrounded voltage measurement" may refer to measuring the voltage or potential of an electrical element, such as an electrical cable, that is a first electrical reference point without contacting a second electrical reference point, such as a reference point, zero voltage line, common line, neutral line, power line of a different phase, etc. For simplicity, all such versions of a second electrical reference point may be referred to herein as a "reference point."

[0047] The terms "intermittent" or "instantaneous" can refer to any electrical phenomenon that is short, typically less than one second. In this regard, an "intermittent phenomenon" can refer to any type of brief 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.

[0048] The term "absolute time" may refer to a time or length of time measured from a common universal time. Absolute time may be provided via a signal from an external, precise clock, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal. The term "time of flight" or "time of travel" may refer to the time it takes a signal to travel from a first point to a second point, such as from the signal's point of origin to a point of detection or measurement.

[0049] The device for measuring the electrical signal may be an electrical sensor operable to measure one or more electrical parameters, such as voltage and / or current. The measurement device may be mounted on the electrical cable, on or near a pole carrying the cable, or anywhere along the electrical cable, whether between two poles or between two insulators carrying or supporting the cable. The cable may be an overhead cable or an underground cable. For example, with respect to an underground cable, the measurement device may be installed in a location where the underground cable is exposed and / or unshielded, such as a maintenance hole (manhole) or split point.

[0050] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified diagram of a distribution network 10 connected to a transmission network 11 via a transformer station 12, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0051] 1, distribution network 10 may include four feed lines 13, however, any number of feed lines is envisioned. The four feed lines are listed as 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. Two communication lines 14 may be connected between feed lines 13B-13C and 13C-13D, however, any number of communication lines is envisioned.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 , one or more photovoltaic systems 15 may be connected to any one of the transmission lines 13. However, any system 15 may represent any type of renewable energy electricity generation system (e.g., wind turbines, etc.). Multiple consumer systems (not shown in FIG. 1 ) may be distributed along the transmission lines 13. Multiple cable devices 16 may be mounted across any of the power lines of the distribution network 10. It should be understood that any number of cable devices 16 may be mounted across any of the power lines (phases) of the distribution network 10.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, supply line 13A is divided into two sub-lines 17A and 17B. It should be understood that any supply line 13A may be divided into any number of sub-lines in various configurations and levels of division (e.g., 17C). The term "local grid" may refer to the entire supply network 10 or a distinct portion of the supply network 10, such as a particular supply line 13 or sub-line 17. The overall structure and / or topology of distribution network 10 in Figure 1 is provided by way of example only.

[0054] Communications network 18 may represent any number of communications networks of any type, including wired and wireless networks. Communications network 18 may also represent several networks that are not interconnected, each serving a different pair or group of computing devices that are able to communicate.

[0055] For example, the communications network 18 may interconnect between the transformer stations 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, etc. The weather stations 21 may provide weather measurements, weather analysis, weather forecasts, etc. The weather stations 21 may include cloud radar 22, LIDAR, visibility measurement units, irradiance measurement stations, etc. The communications network 18 may also interconnect between the grid analysis system 20 and any number of cable devices 16. The communications network 18 may also interconnect between the grid management system 19 and the energy generation systems 15.

[0056] 1 also shows cloud 23 being blown by wind 24 in the direction of arrow 24, as may be measured and / or predicted, such as by weather station 21 and / or cloud radar 22. Dotted line 25 may indicate the boundary of effective shadow 26 as cast by cloud 23. For example, the parameters of effective shadow 26 in terms of location, area, and irradiance may depend on the current position of sun 27, the thickness and structure of cloud 23, etc.

[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified flowchart of a first basic computing process 28 performed by, for example, supply network analysis system 20, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0058] As an option, the simplified flowchart of Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified flowchart of Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0059] It should be understood that the flowchart of first basic computing process 28 may be embodied as one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors of analysis system 20. It should be understood that some of the actions of first basic computing process 28 may be performed by supply network management system 19.

[0060] The first basic computing process 28 may begin at action 29 by obtaining grid data 30. In this regard, the term “grid data” may include (but is not limited to) the topology and topography of a local electric grid. The term “local electric grid” may refer to a distribution network or any portion thereof, such as distribution network 10 of FIG. 1 , as a non-limiting example. Such a “local grid” may therefore include one or more transmission lines 13, one or more sub-lines 17, etc. The term “topology” may refer to the electrical relationships between elements of distribution network 10. The term “topography” may refer to the geographic locations of elements of distribution network 10. The term “elements of the distribution grid” may refer to the distribution network itself as well as any other physical elements and / or electrical devices connected to the distribution network.

[0061] Action 29 may therefore also obtain the structural characteristics and / or geographic location of each photovoltaic electricity generating unit connected to the electrical grid and its maximum electricity generating capacity. The term "obtain" here may refer to introducing, either manually or automatically, grid data 30 as calculated data into a computing device. Such a computing device may be operated, for example, by grid analysis system 20 and grid management system 19. It should be understood that action 29 may be repeated from time to time to obtain updates to the grid data.

[0062] First basic computing process 28 may then proceed to action 31 and collect grid electricity data 32, for example, in the form of the current power capacity of the electrical grid and the current power generated by each of the photovoltaic electricity generation units. For example, a processor of grid analysis system 20 may perform action 31 by automatically collecting these data elements from grid management system 19.

[0063] Action 31 is a recurring or continuous automated process, as indicated by arrow 33. It should be understood that the power carried by the local grid and provided to the local grid by transformer station 12, as well as the power generated by photovoltaic electricity generating units connected to the local grid, may vary temporarily, for example, due to changes in the electricity consumption of consumers connected to the local grid, and therefore may require rapid fulfillment of action 31.

[0064] First basic computing process 28 may then proceed to action 34 and receive weather data 35 from one or more weather stations, such as weather station 21 of FIG. 1. Such weather data may include cloud measurements, such as those that may be performed by one or more cloud radars 22. The cloud measurements may include cloud location, cloud area, cloud height, cloud thickness, cloud speed and direction of movement, etc., for each cloud within an area associated with the geographic extent of the electrical grid (such as grid 10 of FIG. 1).

[0065] In this regard, the term "cloud height" may refer to the distance between the base of a 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 base of the cloud. In this regard, the term "cloud area" may refer to the horizontal contour of a cloud provided as a function or collection of points along the contour, such as the X and Y values ​​of the points.

[0066] The first basic computing process 28 may then proceed to action 36 and calculate cloud shadow data 37 from the weather data 35. The cloud shadow data 37 may include the location and size of the cloud shadow, the speed and direction of movement of the cloud shadow, and the amount of irradiation within the cloud shadow. The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated separately for each cloud within an area associated with the geographic extent of the electricity grid (such as grid 10 of FIG. 1). The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated according to the cloud data and the position of the sun. In this regard, the term "shadow location and size" may refer to the contour of the shadow as cast on the ground. The contour data may be provided as a function of points along the contour, such as X and Y values ​​of the points, or as a collection thereof.

[0067] The first basic computing process 28 may then proceed to action 38 to calculate cloud impact data 39 for each cloud shadow on each photovoltaic electric generating unit. The cloud impact data 39 may include an expected impact and an expected time of impact. The term "impact" may represent the absolute irradiance during the time of impact, or the irradiance reduction during the time of impact, or the expected power production of the photovoltaic electric generating unit during the time of impact. The term "time of impact" may represent the expected start time and expected end time or elapsed time during which the cloud shadow may impact the photovoltaic electric generating unit. The impact may be calculated according to the expected solar irradiance and cloud thickness. It should be understood that the term "impact" may apply to the irradiance reduction when the cloud shadow strikes an individual photovoltaic electric generating unit and the irradiance increase when the cloud shadow moves away from an individual photovoltaic electric generating unit.

[0068] For example, the impact calculation may determine that at a particular time over a particular period, a particular cloud shadow may completely miss a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit, or that a particular cloud shadow may impinge on a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit, covering all or only a portion of the area of ​​the particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit and thus, for example, reducing the output power of the particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit by a calculated percentage.

[0069] Returning to the exemplary grid 10 and cloud 23 of Figure 1, it can be seen that shadow 26 misses the photovoltaic electricity generating unit designated by number 40, hits the photovoltaic electricity generating unit designated by number 41, and partially hits the photovoltaic electricity generating unit designated by number 42. The photovoltaic electricity generating units designated by numbers 41 and 42 are affected at different times.

[0070] As a result, action 38 may also calculate the overall impact of a particular cloud shadow on the power delivered by the local grid when impacting a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit. For example, action 38 may calculate the maximum expected decrease in voltage value provided to consumers by the local grid at the maximum impact of a particular cloud shadow when impacting a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit. Action 38 may calculate the maximum amount of power that should be added to the local grid at that point to make up for the power loss due to the impact.

[0071] First basic computing process 28 may then proceed to actions 43 and 44 to reduce the power generated by the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit before the cloud shadow reaches the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit, and preferably in parallel increase the power provided to the individual local grid by other sources. Thus, first basic computing process 28 may mitigate the expected impact of the cloud shadow on the power quality, i.e., voltage quality, as experienced by consumers connected to the individual local grid.

[0072] The term "other source" herein may refer to the transformer station 12 and / or any other photovoltaic electricity generating unit that may be connected to the local grid and may not simultaneously be affected by cloud shadows. The term "other source" may also refer to an energy source, such as an energy storage system, that may be connected to the local grid. The term "other source" may also refer to a capacitance or inductance system that may be connected to the local grid. In this regard, the phrase "increase the electric power provided by other sources to the respective local grid" may refer to increasing or decreasing capacitance and / or inductance.

[0073] It should be understood that the action of reducing the power generated by an individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit before a cloud shadow reaches the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit may depend on a predefined threshold, which may be associated with, for example, power quality and / or voltage quality.

[0074] As a non-limiting example, if a standard requires that voltage not decrease below standard levels by more than 3%, action 43 may reduce the power provided by an individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit that will be immediately affected by an advancing cloud shadow to less than 3% of the total power provided by the local grid. In the event that the shadow causes a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit to completely cease power production, the impact on the local grid would still be within the limits of the standard.

[0075] Alternatively, or in addition, first basic computing process 28 may increase the power provided to the local grid by transformer station 12 and / or other photovoltaic electricity generating units that are not expected to be affected by the cloud shadow at the same time. The action of increasing power before the cloud shadow reaches the individual photovoltaic electricity generating units may also depend on a predefined threshold, which may be associated with, for example, power quality and / or voltage quality.

[0076] As a non-limiting example, if the impact of clouds on a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit may cause a 50% power reduction, and the particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit provides 10% of the total electricity carried by the local grid, action 43 may reduce the power output of the particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit to below 6% of the total grid power, such that a 50% reduction in the electricity provided by the particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit may cause an impact of less than 3% on the voltage level of the local grid.

[0077] Optionally, the first basic computing process 28 may communicate instructions 45 to the grid management system 19 to decrease the power of individual photovoltaic electricity generating units and increase the power provided by other resources.

[0078] Arrow 33 may indicate that individual actions or sequences of actions may be repeated and that the execution of individual actions may be performed in parallel, in this sense, action 31, action 34, action 36, and action 38 may be performed in parallel with each other and with the sequence of actions 43 and 44.

[0079] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified flowchart of a second basic computing process 46 performed by, for example, supply network analysis system 20, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0080] As an option, the simplified flowchart of Figure 3 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified flowchart of Figure 3 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0081] It should be understood that the flowchart of second basic computing process 46 may be embodied as one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors of analysis system 20. It should be understood that some of the actions of second basic computing process 28 may be performed by supply network management system 19.

[0082] The second basic computing process 46 is similar to the first basic computing process 28, however, it adds a network of cable devices 16 to verify expected cloud shadow movement and correct the forecast if necessary. It should be understood that the second basic computing process 46 may be used as an alternative to the first basic computing process 28.

[0083] As will be described in further detail below, cable device 16 may be equipped with various measurement devices, including voltage, current, and irradiance sensors. Cable device 16 may therefore provide irradiance measurements, including, but not limited to, irradiance values, rates of change of irradiance, times of change of irradiance, etc.

[0084] The second basic computing process 46 may begin at action 47 by obtaining grid data 48. In this regard, the term “grid data” may include (but is not limited to) the topology and topography of a local electric grid. The term “local electric grid” may refer to a distribution network or any portion thereof, such as distribution network 10 of FIG. 1 , as a non-limiting example. Such a “local grid” may therefore include one or more transmission lines 13, one or more sub-lines 17, etc. The term “topology” may refer to the electrical relationships between elements of distribution network 10. The term “topography” may refer to the geographic locations of elements of distribution network 10. The term “elements of the distribution grid” may refer to the distribution network itself as well as any other physical elements and / or electrical devices connected to the distribution network, including cable devices 16.

[0085] Action 47 may therefore also obtain the structural (or geographic) location of each photovoltaic electricity generating unit connected to the electrical grid and its maximum electricity generating capacity. Action 47 may also obtain the structural (or geographic) location of each cable device mounted on the electrical grid. The term "obtain" here may refer to introducing, either manually or automatically, the grid data as calculated data into a computing device. Such a computing device may be operated, for example, by grid analysis system 20 and grid management system 19. It should be understood that action 29 may be repeated from time to time to obtain updates to the grid data.

[0086] Second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to action 49 to collect grid electricity data 50, e.g., in the form of the current power capacity of the electrical grid and the current power generated by each of the photovoltaic electricity generation units. For example, the processor of grid analysis system 20 may perform action 31 by automatically collecting these data elements from grid management system 19. Alternatively, or in addition, action 49 may collect electrical grid data 50, e.g., in the form of instantaneous or averaged voltage and current measurements, from cable devices 16. Thus, action 49 may develop a more detailed understanding of the current power distribution throughout the local grid.

[0087] Action 49 is a repetitive or continuous automated process because the power carried by the local grid and the power provided to the local grid by transformer station 12, as well as the power generated by photovoltaic electricity generating units connected to the local grid, may change temporarily, for example, due to changes in the electricity consumption of consumers connected to the local grid.

[0088] The second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to action 51 and receive weather data 52 from one or more weather stations, such as weather station 21 of FIG. 1. Such weather data may include cloud measurements, such as those that may be performed by one or more cloud radars 22. The cloud measurements may include cloud location, cloud area, cloud height, cloud thickness, cloud speed and direction of movement, etc., for each cloud within an area associated with the geographic extent of the electrical grid (such as grid 10 of FIG. 1).

[0089] The second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to action 53 and calculate cloud shadow data 54 from the weather data 52. The cloud shadow data 54 may include the location and size of the cloud shadow, the speed and direction of the cloud shadow's movement, and the amount of irradiation within the cloud shadow. The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated separately for each cloud within an area associated with the geographic extent of the electricity grid (such as grid 10 of FIG. 1). The cloud shadow data 37 may be calculated according to the cloud data and the position of the sun. In this regard, the term "shadow location and size" may refer to the contour of the shadow as cast on the ground. The contour data may be provided as a function of points along the contour, such as the X and Y values ​​of the points, or as a collection thereof.

[0090] The second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to action 55 and calculate cloud impact data 56 for each cloud shadow on each photovoltaic electric generating unit and each cable device 16. The cloud impact data 56 may include an expected impact and an expected time of impact. The term “impact” may represent an absolute irradiance within the time of impact, an irradiance change within the time of impact, or an expected power production of a photovoltaic electric generating unit within the time of impact. The term “time of impact” may represent an expected start time and an expected end time or elapsed time during which a cloud shadow may impact a photovoltaic electric generating unit. The impact and / or irradiance change may be calculated according to expected solar irradiance and cloud thickness. It should be understood that the term “impact” may apply to an irradiance decrease when a cloud shadow strikes an individual grid element and an irradiance increase when a cloud shadow moves away from an individual grid element. In this regard, the term “grid element” may also include any cable device 16 .

[0091] As a result, action 55 may also calculate the overall impact of a particular cloud shadow when impacting a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit. The term "overall impact" may refer to the overall power carried by the local grid. For example, action 55 may calculate the maximum expected decrease in the voltage value provided to consumers by the local grid at the maximum impact of a particular cloud shadow when impacting a particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit. Action 55 may calculate the maximum amount of power that should be added to the local grid at that point to make up for the power loss due to the impact.

[0092] The second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to action 57 and receive irradiance measurements 58 from one or more cable devices 16, particularly from cable devices 16 currently impacted by a particular cloud shadow. Action 57 may then compare the forecasted cloud impact data 56 with the current actual irradiance measurements 58. As a result, action 57 may produce updated and / or corrected forecasted cloud impact data 59.

[0093] It should be appreciated that each cable device 16 may provide irradiance data for clear and shaded areas, as well as wind speed and direction measurements. Each cable device 16 may also provide power transmission and quality values, voltage and voltage quality values, and values ​​of current through individual cables. Each cable device 16 may also calculate expected impacts and changes in values ​​due to recent changes in power quality values ​​and / or voltage quality values ​​and / or irradiance values.

[0094] The second basic computing process 46 may then proceed to actions 60 and 61 to reduce the power generated by the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit before the cloud shadow reaches the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit, and preferably in parallel increase the power provided to the individual local grid by other sources. Thus, the second basic computing process 46 may mitigate the expected impact of the cloud shadow on the power quality, i.e., voltage quality, as experienced by consumers connected to the individual local grid.

[0095] The term "other source" may refer to the transformer station 12 and / or any other photovoltaic electricity generating unit that may be connected to the local grid and may not simultaneously be affected by cloud shadows. The term "other source" may also refer to an energy source, such as an energy storage system, that may be connected to the local grid. The term "other source" may also refer to a capacitance or inductance system that may be connected to the local grid. In this regard, the phrase "increase the electric power provided by other sources to the respective local grid" may refer to increasing or decreasing capacitance and / or inductance.

[0096] The actions of increasing power and / or decreasing power (actions 60 and 61) may depend on individual thresholds that may be associated with power quality and / or voltage quality in a similar manner as the example provided with reference to actions 43 and 44 of the first basic computing process 28.

[0097] Arrow 33 may indicate that individual actions or sequences of actions may be repeated and that the execution of individual actions may be performed in parallel, in this sense, action 49, action 51, action 53, action 55, and action 57 may be performed in parallel with each other and with the sequence of actions 60 and 61.

[0098] Optionally, second basic computing process 46 may communicate instructions 62 to grid management system 19 to decrease the power of the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit and increase the power provided by other resources prior to the impact of cloud shadow on each particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit. Similarly, second basic computing process 46 may communicate instructions 62 to grid management system 19 to increase the power of the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit and decrease the power provided by other resources prior to the end of the impact of cloud shadow on each particular photovoltaic electricity generating unit.

[0099] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified flowchart of a third basic process 63 for mitigating power fluctuations in an electrical grid, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0100] As an option, the simplified diagram of Figure 4 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagram of Figure 4 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0101] It should be understood that the flowchart of the third basic computing 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 understood that some of the actions of the second basic computing process 28 may be performed by the supply network management system 19.

[0102] The third basic computing process 63 is similar to the first basic computing process 28, however, a network of cable devices 16 is used instead of a weather station for predicted cloud shadow movement. It should be understood that the third basic computing process 46 can be used as an alternative to the first and second basic computing processes when weather data is not available.

[0103] The third basic computing process 63 may begin at action 64 by obtaining grid data 65, similar to the second basic computing process 46. The third basic computing process 63 may then proceed to action 66 to collect grid electricity data 67, similar to the second basic computing process 46. Action 66 may be performed continuously or repeatedly as needed, as indicated by arrow 68.

[0104] The third basic computing process 63 may then proceed to action 69 to collect irradiance data 70 from the cable devices 16, and then proceed to action 71 to calculate a map 72 of shadow patches according to the irradiance data 70. Action 71 may also calculate, for each shadow patch, the direction of movement, the speed of movement, and the irradiance value. The third basic computing process 63 may then proceed to action 73 to calculate a predicted impact 74 of each shadow patch on each cable device 16 and each photovoltaic electricity generating unit 15.

[0105] The third basic computing process 63 may continuously, or repeatedly as needed, perform actions 69, 71, and 73 to refine the mapping of shadow patches, their assumed boundaries, speed and direction of movement, and expected irradiance. Thus, impact data 74 may be viewed as a stream of data that forecasts irradiance changes for each element of the local supply network.

[0106] The third basic computing process 63 may then proceed to actions 75 and 76 to reduce the power generated by the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit before the individual shadow patch reaches the individual photovoltaic electricity generating unit, and preferably in parallel increase the power provided to the individual local grid by other sources. Thus, the third basic computing process 63 may mitigate the expected impact of the cloud shadow on the power quality, i.e., voltage quality, as experienced by consumers connected to the individual local grid. For example, the third basic computing process 63 may reduce or increase the power by communicating instructions 77 to the grid management system 19.

[0107] The actions of increasing power and / or decreasing power (actions 75 and 76) may depend on individual thresholds that may be associated with power quality and / or voltage quality in a similar manner as the example provided with reference to actions 43 and 44 of the first basic computing process 28.

[0108] Arrow 68 may indicate that the sequence of actions 75 and 76 may be performed in parallel to the sequence of actions 69, 71, and 73 and in parallel to action 66.

[0109] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified diagram of multiple cable devices 16 mounted on individual electrical cables 78 of an electrical distribution network 79, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0110] As an option, the simplified diagram of Figure 5 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagram of Figure 5 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0111] FIG. 5 shows multiple cable devices 16 mounted within various different locations of an electrical distribution network 79. In particular, the cable devices 16 may be mounted on cables 78 of the electrical distribution network 79. The cable devices 16 may be mounted on cables 78 within intermediate cables, which are typically ungrounded. As shown in FIG. 5, the cables 78 may be supported by poles via insulators. FIG. 5 shows the cables 78 between poles or between insulators. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple cable devices 16 may be mounted within various different locations of each of the cables 78 of the electrical distribution network 79.

[0112] Alternatively, the cable device 16 may be mounted within a particular location on a cable 78 of the electrical grid 79 and measure phenomena on other parallel cables 78 of the electrical grid 79 within a co-located location.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 5, the cable devices 16 may be electrically coupled to their individual cables 78 but are not connected to any other reference point, such as ground, zero voltage line, common line, neutral line, etc.

[0114] In this regard, the cable devices 16 may derive their operating energy or power from their individual cables 16, in particular from the electric field and / or from the magnetic field surrounding the electrical cables 78 and produced by the voltage carried by the electrical cables 78 and / or the current carried by the electrical cables 78 (as will be further described below).

[0115] In this regard, cable device 16 may measure the current flowing through and / or the voltage carried by individual electrical cables 78 by measuring the magnetic and electric fields, respectively. In this regard, the voltage measurement system is an ungrounded voltage measurement system. It should be understood that cable device 16 may measure other physical phenomena such as temperature, humidity, wind, wind direction, location (e.g., via a GPS receiver), cable depression and angle, cable movement, etc.

[0116] Cable devices 16 may communicate among themselves, as indicated by arrow 80, and / or with a local controller 81, as indicated by arrow 82, and / or with a local server 83, as indicated by arrow 84.

[0117] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified diagram of a cable device 16 mounted on a cable 78 showing a slot 85 for inserting the cable 78 into the cable device 16.

[0118] As an option, the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0119] Each of the cable devices 16 may include a slot 85 or similar arrangement through which the cable 78 may be inserted into the cable device 16 when the cable device 16 is mounted onto the current carrying cable 78 .

[0120] Each of the cable devices 16 may also include an irradiance sensor 86 or similar arrangement for measuring solar irradiance values.

[0121] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified diagram of an extract through cable device 16 mounted on an electrical cable 78, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0122] As an option, the illustration of cable device 16 in Figure 7 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the illustration of cable device 16 in Figure 7 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may equally apply to the following description.

[0123] 7, cable device 16 may include a box or body 87 through which electrical cable 78 passes. Electrical cable 78 may be part of an electrical supply network, transmission network, or distribution network, such as those maintained by power companies to provide electricity to the public, factories, etc. Cable device 16 may therefore be mounted on energized cable 78, i.e., when cable 78 is fully powered and / or carries voltage and / or current.

[0124] Box 87 may be constructed in two pieces that can be opened and then closed around cable 78. Alternatively, box 87 may be constructed in one piece that surrounds most of the cable diameter and has an opening on one side, such as slot 85 (not shown in FIG. 7), for inserting cable 78 and attaching the box to cable 78. Other arrangements and shapes of box 87 are also envisioned.

[0125] 7 , 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, cable device 16 may also include a local area communication module 93, a remote sensing module 94, and a propulsion control module 95. Optionally, cable device 16 may also include a cable crimp 96 and a GPS module 97.

[0126] The GPS module 97 may serve as an accurate time source here. The time source of the cable device 16 may be any type of time source that provides an accuracy of 50 nanoseconds or better. The GPS module 97 is expected to provide a time accuracy of 10 nanoseconds or better. Optionally, the GPS module 97 may also provide an accurate universal clock, for example, to accurately determine the absolute time of a measurement. In this regard, the GPS signal serves as an accurate common time for all cable devices 16, and thus all clocks of all cable devices 16 are synchronized to the accuracy of the GPS signal. Optionally, the cable device 16 may also include a global positioning service (GPS) module 97, which may be used to measure, monitor, and / or control the position of the cable device 16 along the electrical cable 78.

[0127] Electrical measurement device 90 may include one or more voltage measuring devices 98 and / or current measuring devices 99. Electrical measurement device 90 may include one or more irradiance measuring devices 100 (such as irradiance sensor 86 of FIG. 6). For example, irradiance measuring device 100 may be adapted for the light band in which the photovoltaic cell operates.

[0128] 7, cable device 16 may include a magnetic core 101 around which at least one coil is wound to form winding 102. Magnetic core 101 may be mounted around electrical cable 78. Magnetic core 101 may be constructed from two parts, i.e., a part in each of the two parts of box 87, which are closed around electrical cable 78 when box 87 is attached to electrical cable 78. However, optionally, particularly for high voltage cables, magnetic core 101 may be open, in the sense that it has a slot through which electrical cable 78 can be inserted.

[0129] The magnetic core 101 typically derives a magnetic field from the current flowing in the electrical cable 78. The windings 102 may derive a current from the magnetic flux in the magnetic core 101. The windings 102 may typically be electrically coupled to a power supply module 88, which provides voltage to the other modules of the cable device 101. It should be understood that the cable device 16 may derive power from a single electrical cable 78.

[0130] Alternatively, or optionally, cable device 16 may derive power from a single electrical cable 78, for example, from the electric field of a high voltage power grid, even when electrical cable 78 is not carrying any electrical current.

[0131] Alternatively, for example, when used in conjunction with insulated high voltage cables and / or underground cables and / or low voltage grids, the power supply module 88 may be connected to sensors attached to electrical cables that derive their power supply from other sources, such as main units connected to the low voltage output of a transformer, battery, photovoltaic (PV) elements, etc. Such a configuration of the cable device 16 may have only one part with an opening at the bottom.

[0132] The backhaul communication module 92 and the local area 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 various sensors, one or more cameras 104, one or more microphones 105, etc. It should be understood that the cameras may be mounted on a system of axles that provide three-dimensional rotation. Alternatively, multiple fixed cameras, or an array thereof, may be mounted to cover a wide field of view as needed.

[0133] At least one camera 104 may provide an image of at least a portion of the sky. A controller module 89 may process the sky image to produce cloud parameters such as cloud location, cloud area, cloud motion speed, and cloud motion direction. Such cloud parameters may be calculated for each cloud in the sky image. The cloud parameters may be communicated to the supply network analysis system 20, which may calculate more accurate cloud parameters, including cloud height, based on triangulation of at least three cable devices 16 for which GPS data is known.

[0134] The backhaul communication module 92 and the local area communication module 93 may use any type of communication technology and / or network, such as, but not limited to, the terms “communication technology” or “communication network,” or simply “network,” which refers to any type of communication medium, including, but not limited to, fixed (wire, cable) networks, wireless networks, and / or satellite networks, fixed or wireless wide area networks (WANs) including various types of cellular networks, fixed or wireless local area networks (LANs) including Wi-Fi, and fixed or wireless personal area networks (PANs) including Bluetooth, ZigBee, and NFC, power line carrier (PLC) communication technologies, etc. The terms “communication network” or “network” may refer to any number of networks and any combination of networks and / or communication technologies.

[0135] The controller module 89 may include a processor unit that may be used to store and / or execute software programs and associated data, and to communicate with external devices, 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.).

[0136] The propulsion control module 95 may be coupled to one or more actuation devices, such as electric motors 106, which may be coupled to one or more wheels 107. The wheels 107 may be mounted on the cables 78 such that controlling the electric motors 106 enables the propulsion control module 95 to move the cable device 16 along the cables 78.

[0137] 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 operate to move the cable device 16 along the cable 78 and / or to rotate the cable device 16 around the cable 78.

[0138] It should be understood that electric motor 106, as used herein, represents any type of technology suitable for steering cable device 16 along and / or around 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.

[0139] The grid analysis system 20 may use the propulsion and GPS systems of the cable devices 16 to distribute and position the cable devices 16 within the area served by the regional grid to provide irradiance measurements around the individual photovoltaic electricity generating units 15. Because the cable devices 16 may be positioned to provide solar and shadow irradiance measurements, the grid analysis system 20 may redistribute the cable devices 16 according to the changing locations of clouds, associated shadow maps, and the direction of movement of the clouds and / or their individual shadows.

[0140] The cable crimping portion 96 may include, for example, a cable holder portion 108 that may be pressed against the cable 78 to securely 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 that is inserted into a socket in the cable attachment actuator portion. Alternatively, the threaded rod 109 may be operated by a rod that is inserted into a socket 111.

[0141] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified block diagram of computing device 112, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0142] Alternatively, the block diagram of Figure 8 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the block diagram of Figure 8 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the definitions above may equally apply to the following description. In particular, the computing device 112 of Figure 8 may correspond to or be included within, for example, a cable device 16, a local controller 81, a server 83, a supply network management system 19, a supply network analysis system 20, etc.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 8, 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 such as flash memory, etc.), and one or more storage units 115 (e.g., including hard disk drives and / or removable storage drives representing floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, compact disk drives, flash memory devices, etc.).

[0144] The computing device 112 may also include one or more exposure measurement units 116, such as the exposure sensor 86 of FIG. 6 and / or the exposure measurement unit 100 of FIG.

[0145] Computing device 112 may also include one or more communication units 117. Such communication units 117 may use any type of communication technology, in particular RF communication technology, in particular communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and any remote control communication technology, such as may be used by cable device 16, to communicate with any other cable device 16, or with a remote controller, a remote server, or any other computing device.

[0146] Computing device 112 may also include one or more communication buses 118 connecting the above units. Computing device 112 may also include one or more control circuitry 119 for controlling other devices coupled to or contained within main body 87.

[0147] Computing device 112 may also include one or more computer programs 120, or computer control logic algorithms, which may be stored in either memory unit 114 and / or storage unit 115. Such computer programs, when executed, enable computing system 112 to perform various functions as described herein. Memory unit 114 and / or storage unit 115, and / or any other storage device are possible examples of tangible computer-readable media. In particular, computer program 120 may include a software program for calculating cable voltages relative to a reference point and collected data.

[0148] It should be understood that certain features that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0149] While a description has been provided above in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident 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 broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, citation or identification of any reference within this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electrical grid, the method comprising: and automatically collecting, by a local computer, electrical production data, the electrical production data comprising: The power capacity of the electricity grid; the location of at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit connected to the electricity supply grid; the amount of power generated by the at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; and and automatically receiving, by the local computer, a weather forecast from at least one weather station computer, the weather forecast including at least one of a location, thickness, direction of movement, and speed of movement of at least one cloud; determining at least one of a location, a direction of motion, a speed of motion, and an irradiance for at least one cloud shadow; calculating at least one of a cloud shadow impact and a time of impact on the at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic electricity generating unit; reducing the power generation capacity of said at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; increasing the power input of at least one power generating unit; providing power from an electrical storage unit; connecting a capacitance to said supply network; disconnecting a capacitance from the supply network; connecting an inductance to said supply network; and Disconnecting an inductance from the supply network. and performing at least one of A method comprising:

2. distributing a plurality of cable measurement devices, each cable measurement device being mounted on a cable of the electrical grid, each cable measurement device being capable of measuring at least one of a voltage on the cable, a current through the cable, solar irradiation, wind direction, and wind speed; receiving the at least one measurement from at least one of the cable measurement devices; calculating at least one of a location, a direction of motion, a speed of motion, and an amount of irradiation for at least one cloud shadow; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the impact is calculated according to at least one of voltage quality, power quality, a change in voltage quality, a change in power quality, and a predetermined threshold.

4. the power transfer value comprises a power quality value measured by at least one measuring device of the plurality of measuring devices; the impact includes a power quality value measured by at least one measuring device of the plurality of measuring devices; the power transfer value includes a voltage quality value measured by at least one measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices; the impact includes a voltage quality value measured by at least one measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices; the voltage quality includes expected deviations of voltage measurements from standard voltage values; The method of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of:

5. 1. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electrical grid, the method comprising: A. determining a configuration of a portion of the electrical grid, the configuration including at least one power generating unit, at least one power consumer, and the electrical grid interconnecting the at least one power generating unit and the at least one power consumer; B. distributing a plurality of measurement devices within the electrical grid interconnecting power generating units of the at least one power generating unit and power consumers of the at least one power generating unit; C. automatically and continuously collecting, by the at least one individual power generating unit, a power input value for at least one power input into the portion of the electrical grid; D. automatically and continuously collecting a plurality of power transfer values ​​from said plurality of individual measuring devices; E. automatically and persistently collecting weather forecasts for a predetermined future time frame, said weather forecasts being applied to at least one individual power generating unit providing an individual power input into said portion of said electrical grid; F. automatically and continuously determining the expected impact of each weather forecast on each power input and each measuring device to determine at least one weather-affected power generating unit; G. If the predicted impact exceeds a predetermined threshold: reducing the power generation capacity of said at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; increasing the power input of at least one power generating unit; providing power from an electrical storage unit; connecting a capacitance to said supply network; disconnecting a capacitance from the supply network; connecting an inductance to said supply network; and Disconnecting an inductance from the supply network. and performing at least one of A method comprising:

6. 1. A computer-implemented method for mitigating power quality fluctuations in an electrical grid, the method comprising: distributing a plurality of cable measurement devices, each cable measurement device being mounted on a cable of the electrical grid, each cable measurement device being capable of measuring at least one of a voltage on the cable, a current through the cable, solar irradiation, wind direction, and wind speed; and automatically collecting, by a local computer, electrical production data, the electrical production data comprising: The power capacity of the electricity grid; the location of at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit connected to the electricity supply grid; the amount of power generated by the at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; and and receiving the at least one measurement from at least one of the cable measurement devices; determining at least one of a location, a direction of motion, a speed of motion, and an irradiance for at least one cloud shadow; calculating at least one of a cloud shadow impact and a time of impact on the at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; before the cloud shadow reaches the photovoltaic electricity generating unit; reducing the power generation capacity of said at least one photovoltaic electricity generating unit; increasing the power input of at least one power generating unit; providing power from an electrical storage unit; connecting a capacitance to said supply network; disconnecting a capacitance from the supply network; connecting an inductance to said supply network; and Disconnecting an inductance from the supply network. and performing at least one of A method comprising:

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