AMI-Based Voltage Optimization for Distribution Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power systems face challenges in optimizing voltage control and energy efficiency, leading to increased energy losses and reduced reliability, particularly in distribution circuits, due to the lack of precise measurement and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)-based system that uses load tap changing control (LTC) transformers, voltage regulators, capacitor banks, and distributed generation to optimize secondary voltage control, enabling precise energy usage monitoring and adjustment, thereby minimizing energy losses and improving voltage reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional voltage control methods are used without AMI-based data analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and voltage control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where AMI meters continuously measure voltage at customer premises and transmit data to a central system. The system analyzes this data and automatically adjusts transformer tap positions and capacitor bank connections to maintain optimal voltage levels, creating a closed-loop control system that improves measurement precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data analysis system that sits between the AMI measurement infrastructure and the voltage control devices. This intermediary layer processes raw voltage data, identifies optimization opportunities, and generates control signals, thereby enhancing measurement precision without directly increasing the complexity of the physical control devices
2Loss of energy
If voltage optimization control is implemented using AMI-based data analysis, then energy losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting voltage levels dynamically based on AMI data analysis. The system identifies optimal voltage setpoints that minimize energy losses in distribution circuits and transforms this information into control actions for voltage regulation devices, achieving energy loss reduction through parameter optimization rather than physical system changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the voltage control system to self-optimize by automatically analyzing AMI data, identifying loss reduction opportunities, and implementing control adjustments without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring performance and making autonomous adjustments to maintain optimal operating conditions
3Reliability
If secondary voltage control is optimized using AMI data, then voltage reliability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control problem into multiple measurement zones by deploying AMI meters at different customer premises locations. This segmentation allows the system to capture voltage variations across different segments of the distribution circuit, improving overall voltage reliability through localized measurements and targeted control actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to voltage measurement by continuously monitoring voltage levels over time at multiple locations. This transforms static voltage snapshots into dynamic voltage profiles, enabling the system to identify patterns, predict voltage issues, and improve reliability through time-based analysis rather than relying solely on instantaneous measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of a voltage control and conservation (VCC) system used to optimally control the independent voltage and capacitor banks using a linear optimization methodology to minimize the losses in the EEDCS and the EUS. An energy validation process system (EVP) is provided which is used to document the savings of the VCC and an EPP is used to optimize improvements to the EEDCS for continuously improving the energy losses in the EEDS. The EVP system measures the improvement in the EEDS a result of operating the VCC system in the “ON” state determining the level of energy conservation achieved by the VCC system.