DC Microgrid Power-Line Signaling for Prosumers Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods in DC microgrids require high overhead and hardware modifications, limiting efficient energy management and optimization between prosumers.

Innovation Solution

A low-level communication method using low-frequency sinusoidal components superimposed on DC power lines, allowing unidirectional communication without hardware changes, utilizing existing infrastructure and software modifications for encoding and decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional communication methods are used in DC microgrids, then communication functionality is achieved, but hardware modifications and high overhead are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidhardware modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing DC power lines are made to serve dual functions: power transmission and communication. By superimposing low-frequency sinusoidal components on the power lines, the same infrastructure performs both energy delivery and information transfer, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system utilizes the existing power line infrastructure to provide communication services without requiring external communication hardware. The prosumers' own power line equipment detects and processes communication signals, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional communication methods are used in DC microgrids, then communication functionality is achieved, but high overhead is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Communication and power transmission functions are merged into a single channel (the DC power lines). This consolidation eliminates the overhead associated with separate communication infrastructure, reducing both hardware requirements and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If low-frequency sinusoidal components are injected into DC power lines, then communication is enabled without hardware changes, but signal detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidsignal detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The communication signals are implemented as low-frequency sinusoidal components (vibrations) superimposed on the DC power lines. These periodic oscillations can be detected through their characteristic frequency patterns, making them distinguishable from the steady power transmission signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

Communication information is encoded in periodic sinusoidal signals with specific frequencies. The periodic nature of these signals allows receiving equipment to identify and decode communication content through frequency analysis, transforming a complex detection problem into a frequency recognition task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12355237B2Low-level communication between energy prosumers in a DC microgrid

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

AI summary

The present invention relates to sinusoidal components representative of particular commands (VCMD) or values, or a combination thereof, superimposed on DC power lines (VDC) as a means of communication between the prosumers wherein the communication will be tailored to commands for microgrids.