Decentralized Grid Frequency Control via Distribution Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources into energy supply systems poses challenges for maintaining stable voltage and frequency, as conventional power plants are phased out, leading to increased load on transmission networks and a need for decentralized solutions to provide system services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize measuring devices, assessment entities, and control units to detect frequency and voltage deviations in transmission and distribution networks, identifying available network participants to adjust their power output or consumption, thereby compensating for differences and maintaining stable frequency and voltage through active and reactive power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional power plants are phased out to integrate renewable energies, then environmental sustainability is improved, but system service provision capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system service provision function from centralized conventional power plants to decentralized distributed energy resources. Individual controllable network participants (generators, storage systems, loads) are divided into autonomous units that can independently provide frequency and voltage maintenance services, eliminating the need for large conventional power plants while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables controllable network participants to self-manage their power output and consumption based on real-time grid conditions. The control unit allows these distributed resources to automatically adjust their operation to provide system services, making the system self-regulating without requiring conventional power plant operators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized energy conversion systems are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measuring units continuously monitor voltage and frequency at the coupling point between distribution and transmission networks. This real-time data is fed to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the power output of controllable network participants to maintain stability, enabling the system to adapt to renewable energy fluctuations while preserving voltage and frequency stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes controllable network participants multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously perform their primary function (power generation or consumption) and system service functions (frequency and voltage maintenance). This universal approach allows decentralized resources to provide both energy supply and grid stability services, integrating renewables effectively while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If system services are provided in the transmission network, then frequency and voltage maintenance is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by moving system service provision from the transmission network level down to the distribution network level. Instead of centralized control at the transmission level, the control unit is placed at the distribution network coupling point, where it directly controls controllable network participants in the distribution network, simplifying the overall control structure.
4Productivity
If controllable network participants are used for system services, then productivity is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the distribution network and controllable network participants. This control unit consolidates the measurement and control functions, receiving data from measuring units and issuing coordinated control signals to multiple network participants, thereby simplifying the complexity of monitoring and controlling individual participants while maintaining high system service efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and to a method for controlling the voltage stability and/or the frequency stability in an energy supply system (1), that has a transmission network (2) of a first voltage plane, and at least one distribution network (3) coupled thereto via a transformer device (4) of a second voltage plane that is lower as compared to the first voltage plane, wherein the distribution network (3) is connected to a number of controllable network subscribers (5, 6, 7). The frequency or active power and/or the voltage or reactive power at a node of the transmission network (2), values of electrical network state variables on at least one node of the distribution network (3), and values of electrical subscriber state variables of the network subscribers (5, 6, 7) are detected. Subsequently, a network state is evaluated, wherein the availability of each network subscriber (5, 6, 7) for an additional power input and/or power output is determined. Furthermore, a set point value deviation of the detected variable in the transmission network is determined and is transmitted to a control module, which identifies those of the available network subscribers (5, 6, 7), which are able to carry out a measure for compensating for the set point deviation (Δf, ΔU). Subsequently, a power output preset, in particular a power change specification, is determined for at least one of the network subscribers (5, 6, 7) and put at the disposal of said network subscriber (5, 6, 7) such that the set point value deviation (Δf, ΔU) can be compensated to zero.