Adaptive Power Distribution System for Renewable Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power distribution systems lack flexibility and efficiency in accommodating renewable energy sources and energy-aware consumers, leading to inadequate reliability and stability, especially with unidirectional power flow and limited generation resources.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic and adaptive power distribution system using solid-state super-switches and advanced measurement units for real-time monitoring and configuration, enabling rapid switching and optimal configuration based on current and anticipated conditions to manage renewable resources and energy storage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional distribution systems use radial topology with unidirectional power flow, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to renewable energy sources are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the distribution system topology using automated switches and real-time control. The system transitions from static radial topology to dynamic reconfigurable topology that adapts to renewable energy generation patterns, load conditions, and system stability requirements, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional power distribution, integration of distributed generation, stability control, and adaptive reconfiguration. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle both conventional unidirectional power flow and bidirectional flows from renewable sources, maintaining versatility while managing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If inverter-based generation sources are used to integrate renewable resources, then integration capability is improved, but system inertia is reduced leading to stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time monitoring of frequency, voltage, and power flow with automated feedback control. Advanced measurement units continuously assess system conditions and trigger reconfiguration actions when stability thresholds are approached, enabling the system to compensate for reduced inertia through rapid adaptive responses
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary stability assessment and preventive reconfiguration before instability occurs. By monitoring leading indicators of instability and pre-emptively adjusting topology or control parameters, the system compensates for reduced inertia without waiting for actual instability events
3Speed
If breakers and switches operate at higher switching rates to respond to instability, then system reaction time is reduced, but equipment wear and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical breakers and switches with solid-state automated switching devices controlled by microprocessors. This substitution enables rapid switching operations (milliseconds response time) without the mechanical wear and operational complexity of traditional devices, allowing high-speed reconfiguration for stability control
4Device complexity
If distribution system is configured only in response to unanticipated events, then operational simplicity is maintained, but reliability and efficiency during anticipated variations are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration based on forecasted renewable generation patterns, anticipated load variations, and pre-assessed stability scenarios. By proactively optimizing topology before conditions arise, the system improves reliability without requiring complex real-time reactions, balancing simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from advanced measurement units continuously compares actual system conditions against forecasted and optimal configurations. This feedback triggers automated reconfiguration when deviations occur, maintaining reliability through adaptive control while keeping operational logic relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system is dynamically and adaptively configured in real-time to improve energy efficiency, reliability and power quality, particularly if the system includes renewable sources and storages. An optimal multi-objective scheduling and partitioning method is provided to partition the system into self-sufficient sections (SSS) through optimally combination of adjacent basic switching sections (BSS). The SSSs enable system operating at a lower cost, with less power losses, more energy efficiency, improved power quality, and sufficient transient security. The method uses two storage based transient security indices, storage compensation power margin (SCPM) and storage compensation energy margin (SCEM) evaluate the transient stability margin of distribution system. A minimal stability margin is used to ensure that the system remains stable when subject to large unexpected load deviations.