Adaptive Grid Protection Control for Reclosers and Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical grid protection systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust component behavior based on dynamic conditions and geographic factors, leading to suboptimal balancing of safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic protection control system that adjusts the behavior of components like reclosers and inverters based on grid reliability and safety factors, including environmental conditions and geographic data, to prioritize either safety or reliability as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reclosers perform multiple reclosing operations to restore grid operation, then grid reliability is improved, but the risk of creating arcs and causing fires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of recloser behavior based on real-time environmental conditions. The system transitions from fixed, static reclosing parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters that change based on weather conditions, time of day, and geographic location. This allows the system to optimize between reliability and safety by adjusting reclosing attempts according to current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of reclosers based on environmental factors. Specifically, it adjusts parameters such as the number of reclosing attempts, timing between attempts, and voltage levels based on real-time data about weather conditions, humidity, temperature, and other environmental factors that influence fire risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inverters are kept active to absorb excess current from faults, then grid safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes inverter operation dynamic rather than static. Inverters transition between active and standby states based on real-time grid conditions, fault detection, and environmental factors. This dynamic operation allows inverters to provide safety functions when needed while conserving energy during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares inverters in advance for potential fault conditions by keeping them in a ready state or pre-charged standby mode during periods when grid conditions suggest potential faults (e.g., high lightning activity periods). This preliminary preparation allows rapid response to faults while minimizing continuous energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If protection schemes use fixed predefined parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic grid conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the protection system continuously monitors grid conditions, environmental factors, and component performance. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust protection parameters and behavior, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal protection framework that can handle multiple different grid conditions, fault types, and environmental scenarios through a single adaptive platform. This multi-functional approach allows the same protection scheme to serve diverse purposes by adjusting its parameters based on real-time conditions rather than requiring separate fixed schemes for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for protecting an electrical grid are disclosed. A method includes obtaining electrical grid data corresponding to grid reliability factors and grid safety factors; determining, based on an analysis of the grid reliability factors and the grid safety factors, one or more operating parameters for at least one electrical protection device; and controlling the at least one electrical protection device based on the one or more operating parameters.