Contingency Analysis for Intermittent Energy Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar into traditional energy networks poses challenges due to their fluctuating nature, leading to instability and inefficiencies in power generation and distribution, as existing contingency analysis methods are inadequate in handling correlated disturbances across geographically dispersed wind farms.

Innovation Solution

A contingency analysis method that incorporates real-time and forecasted data on wind power generation, using geographical information and operational modes of wind turbines to generate scenarios reflecting potential wind variations, thereby filtering out non-relevant contingencies and providing a more accurate representation of the power grid state for effective management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional contingency analysis methods are used to manage energy networks with intermittent renewable energy sources, then the analysis can be performed using existing frameworks, but the analysis fails to accurately capture correlated disturbances across geographically dispersed wind farms leading to inadequate contingency identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontingency analysis accuracyVSAvoidhandling of correlated disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of contingency analysis by introducing spatial correlation models that account for geographical relationships between wind farms. Instead of treating each wind farm independently with traditional N-1 analysis, the system models correlated disturbances based on spatial proximity and meteorological conditions, thereby improving reliability while adapting to the specific characteristics of renewable energy sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the energy network into geographical zones or regions based on spatial correlation characteristics. By dividing the network into segments that share similar disturbance patterns, the system can apply targeted contingency analysis to each segment while capturing the correlated nature of disturbances across multiple wind farms within the same segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If the number of contingencies to be analyzed is reduced to manage computational complexity, then the analysis time and resources are reduced, but the likelihood of missing critical contingencies increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontingency analysis timeVSAvoidcontingency identification completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing spatial correlation matrices and disturbance probability distributions for different geographical regions before actual contingency analysis is needed. These pre-computed models enable rapid assessment during real-time operation, reducing analysis time while maintaining comprehensive coverage of potential contingencies through the pre-established correlation frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2381094B1Energy network and control thereof
Publication Date: 2013.08.14 ABB RES LTD
  • EP2381094B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2381094B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

method for controlling an energy network which includes at least one intermittent energy source generating plant (22, 23, 26, 28, 30), the method comprising: storing predetermined intermittent energy source generating plant state information; receiving intermittent energy source power generation information; determining possible intermittent energy source generating plant effects (N) from such state and generation information; determining credible effects (n) from such possible effects (N); and controlling the energy network in dependence upon such credible effects (n).