DC Microgrid Power Path Information Generation for Topology Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In DC microgrids, efficiently transmitting direct-current power between nodes is hindered by the need to dynamically collect and distribute updated connection topology information, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when node connections change frequently or failures occur.

Innovation Solution

A power path information generation device and method that automatically collects and shares connection topology information among battery servers, using a GM-Agent to detect and express connection configurations, allowing efficient power transmission and reception control by determining the optimal power flow paths and preventing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If connection topology information is manually collected and distributed to each node, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the system becomes inefficient and time-consuming when connection topology changes frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossVSAvoidtime for collecting and distributing topology information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each node automatically detects and announces its own connection state to neighboring nodes. The system enables self-service by allowing nodes to autonomously maintain topology information without external intervention, with each node actively participating in information collection and distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes continuously monitor and feedback their connection states to the network. When a connection changes, the affected node immediately announces the change to neighboring nodes, creating a real-time feedback loop that keeps topology information current without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If connection topology information is updated for every change, then power transmission efficiency is maintained, but the complexity of information collection and distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of topology information management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The topology information management is segmented into local node responsibilities rather than centralized control. Each node independently manages its own connection state information and communicates only with direct neighbors, dividing the complex global topology management into simpler local tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential connection state information needed for power transmission from complex topology data. By focusing on relevant parameters (connection presence/absence) rather than complete topology details, the system reduces information complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3207615B1Power path information generation device, method for generating power path information, and computer program

Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

A system that acquires information indicating a variation in voltage corresponding to each of a plurality of nodes connected to a direct-current (DC) line; and identifies a topology of the plurality of nodes connected to the DC line based on the acquired information indicating the variation in voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of nodes.