Composable Power Flow Control for Grid Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources into electrical power distribution grids is hindered by the lack of direct controllability by distribution network operators, with existing control methods unable to scale to the increased complexity and complexity of distributed energy sources, leading to operational constraints and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A powerflow control system utilizing a framework of interconnected electrical subsystems and agents that communicate using a common protocol, allowing for autonomous action and optimization of active and reactive power flows, enabling scalable and robust control of power systems from micro-grids to bulk transmission networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed renewable energy sources are integrated into power distribution grids, then the share of renewable energy increases, but the lack of direct controllability leads to operational constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control layer between distributed renewable energy sources and the main power distribution grid. This intermediary system uses intelligent agents and communication protocols to enable indirect but effective control of renewable sources, resolving the contradiction by providing controllability without requiring direct operational control of each distributed source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where distributed renewable energy sources report their operational status, power generation capabilities, and constraints to the control system. This feedback enables the system to adaptively manage renewable integration while maintaining operational constraints, balancing adaptability with controllability.
2Device complexity
If classic control approaches are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the control methods cannot scale to increased complexity of distributed energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple autonomous control agents, each managing specific distributed energy resources. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding more agents without fundamentally changing the overall system structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and scaling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control framework where standardized agents can manage different types of distributed energy sources (solar, wind, storage, loads) using common communication protocols and control mechanisms. This universality enables the system to scale to increased complexity while maintaining a relatively simple and consistent system structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more distributed energy sources are connected, then renewable energy share increases, but operational constraints are attained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms that continuously adapt to changing conditions in the power distribution grid. The control system dynamically adjusts power flows, manages operational constraints, and coordinates distributed energy sources based on real-time system state, enabling high renewable penetration while maintaining reliability through adaptive rather than static control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power flow control system for an interconnected power system, the interconnected power system comprising a plurality of electrical subsystems; an abstract framework configured to work as a utility maximizer under constraints (that applies to the electrical subsystems by specifying their capabilities, expected behavior and a simplified view of their internal state); and a plurality of agents. Each agent is responsible of one or a plurality of the electrical subsystems, comprises means configured to express an internal state of the electrical subsystem within a common system of coordinates, and has communication means configured to communicate among agents according to a protocol. The abstract framework means enables a composition of a set of the interconnected electrical subsystems into a further subsystem for which a further internal state is expressed within the same common system of coordinates used before, the further internal state being communicated with other agents according to the protocol.