Decentralized Power Network Control via Hierarchical Grid Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy network control systems are not scalable and require centralized approaches, making them inefficient and difficult to implement in decentralized energy systems with increasing renewable energy sources and volatility.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized control method using grid blocks with a standardized data structure to model energy consumption, production, and storage, allowing for flexible management and scalability by nesting and combining grid blocks, enabling efficient demand and supply balancing across various levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized control systems are used for energy networks, then control and monitoring can be achieved, but scalability is limited and the system becomes difficult to implement in decentralized energy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The energy network control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (control centers at different levels). Each control center manages a specific region or zone independently, allowing the system to scale by adding more control centers without requiring a complete system redesign. This segmentation enables decentralized control while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where control centers at different levels are organized in tiers. Lower-level control centers are nested within higher-level control centers, forming a multi-layered control architecture. This nesting allows small-scale local control to coexist with large-scale regional control, providing both scalability and comprehensive control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized control with multiple microgrids is implemented, then scalability improves, but each micro-grid requires separate control center setup which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control centers are designed with universal functionality that can operate at multiple hierarchical levels. A control center can function as a local microgrid controller or as part of a larger regional control system. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by using the same control architecture and software platform across different scales, eliminating the need to create entirely new control centers for each microgrid.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical nesting structure allows control centers to be organized in tiers where lower-level centers are integrated into higher-level centers. This nesting provides a standardized framework that simplifies setup - each level follows the same control paradigm and data structures, reducing the complexity of implementing decentralized control across multiple microgrids.
3Productivity
If regional control modules manage individual regions independently, then local energy balance can be achieved, but the overall network coordination becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical control system implements feedback mechanisms where lower-level control centers report their energy balance status, generation capacity, and demand information to higher-level control centers. This feedback loop enables network-wide coordination while maintaining local autonomy - regional control modules can achieve local energy balance while higher-level centers coordinate overall network optimization based on aggregated information from all regions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for decentralised control of a power network (1). In the method, energy flow data (2) are received by means of a controller (3) from at least two computing units (4) via a communications network (5). A plurality of devices (6) is connected to each of the computing units (4). The devices (6) detect and/or influence energy flows. The computing units (4) with the connected devices (6) are modelled each with a first grid block (11). The first grid blocks (11) are modelled with a second grid block (12) by means of the controller (3). The second grid block (12) comprises a plurality of first grid blocks (11) and has the same data structure as the first grid block (11). A control mechanism (C) is associated with each second grid block (12). One or more of the first grid blocks (11) is/are controlled by the control mechanism (C) of the second grid block (12). The control mechanism (C) of the second grid block (12) sends instructions (8) to the first grid block (11). The instructions (8) merely contain signals for controlling the first grid block (11) as a whole, without directly controlling individual devices (8) of the first grid block (11). The control unit (7) of the computing unit (4) calculates control commands (9) for the individual devices (6) on the basis of the instructions (8) of the control mechanism (C) of the second grid block. The computing units (4) send the control commands (9) to the devices.