Control Applications in Public Communication Networks for Energy Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy distribution networks, especially those with decentralized and volatile power generation, face challenges in meeting communication requirements for latency and quality of service due to the absence of a dedicated communication infrastructure, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a public communication network, managed by a network operator, where control applications are executed on computers accessible by network nodes, allowing for guaranteed latency and quality of service without the need for a separate communication infrastructure. This includes virtualization of control applications on existing computers and distribution across access stations and the core network, optimizing communication paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated communication infrastructure is created for energy distribution networks, then communication requirements in terms of latency and quality of service can be met, but the construction complexity and costs increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the energy distribution network with existing public communication networks (telecom networks, internet infrastructure) instead of building a separate dedicated communication infrastructure. Control applications are executed on computers within the public communication network that have access to the energy distribution network, combining both communication and energy control functions into a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the public communication network serve multiple functions: it provides both general communication services and specialized control functions for the energy distribution network. The same communication infrastructure is used for various purposes including control applications, data transmission, and network management, eliminating the need for dedicated infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If control applications are executed locally in the energy distribution network, then communication latency may be reduced, but the need for a separate communication infrastructure increases costs and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication latencyVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces computers within the public communication network as intermediary entities that execute control applications. These computers act as mediators between the public communication network and the energy distribution network nodes, enabling control functions to be performed remotely without requiring local infrastructure while maintaining efficient communication through the intermediary's proximity to multiple network nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized energy generators with volatile power generation are integrated into the network, then energy supply diversity increases, but the difficulty of controlling the network increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply diversityVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control applications that can adapt to changing conditions in the energy distribution network. These control applications monitor and respond to volatile power generation from decentralized energy generators in real-time, adjusting control parameters and strategies dynamically to maintain network stability despite varying energy supply conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms where control applications continuously monitor the state of the energy distribution network, including power generation levels from decentralized sources, and adjust control actions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changes in energy supply diversity and maintain optimal operation despite volatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2883294B1Method for the computer-aided control of an electrical energy distribution network consisting of a plurality of network nodes
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2883294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2883294B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2883294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the computer-aided control of an electrical energy distribution network consisting of a plurality of network nodes (N1, N2), wherein the energy distribution network comprises one or more low-voltage networks (LV), each of which contains first network nodes (N1) for supplying electrical power to the respective low-voltage network (LV) and/or for tapping electrical power from the respective low-voltage network (LV). The low-voltage network(s) (LV) is/are connected to at least one medium-voltage network via one or more second network nodes (N2) in the form of local network stations (ONS1, ONS2, ONS3). The method according to the invention is characterised in that, to control the energy distribution network, one or more control applications (CA1, CA1', CA2, CA3) communicate with the network nodes (N1, N2), wherein the control application or control applications (CA1, CA1', CA2, CA3) is/are implemented on one or more computers in a public communication network, to which the network nodes (N1, N2) have access.