Distributed Grid Behavior Control for Real-Time Stress Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power grids face challenges in controlling the behavior of grid members, leading to imbalances in energy production and consumption, which can stress the grid and result in inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A behavior-based tertiary control system that utilizes real-time monitoring of energy flow and grid stress to adjust the operation of grid components, such as generators, storage, and loads, to maintain optimal grid balance without the need for centralized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized controller monitors and controls all grid elements to ensure sufficient and equitable energy flow, then energy balance is maintained, but system complexity and communication requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed control units at each grid element (generators, storage devices, loads). Each control unit independently monitors local conditions and makes control decisions, eliminating the need for a single centralized controller while maintaining energy balance through coordinated local actions.
Solution Approach 2:
Grid elements are equipped with autonomous control capabilities that allow them to self-regulate based on local measurements of voltage, frequency, and power flow. This self-service approach enables each element to contribute to overall grid stability without requiring constant centralized direction, reducing communication overhead and system complexity.
2Reliability
If secondary control broadcasts frequency and voltage updates to all generators to re-center the system, then system balance is restored, but communication bandwidth and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distributed secondary control where each generator independently calculates and applies frequency and voltage corrections based on local measurements and predefined control algorithms. This eliminates the need for centralized broadcast of update commands, allowing simultaneous local adjustments across all generators and significantly reducing control response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures control algorithms and parameters at each generator before disturbances occur. When frequency or voltage deviations are detected, generators immediately execute pre-programmed correction actions without waiting for centralized commands, enabling faster system recovery while maintaining balance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If droop control is used for primary regulation to maintain frequency and voltage within strict parameters, then grid stability is achieved, but the system requires precise matching of grid elements which reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive droop control where the droop coefficients are dynamically adjusted based on grid conditions, generator capabilities, and operational requirements. This allows the system to maintain frequency and voltage stability through droop control while accommodating diverse grid elements with different characteristics by modifying control parameters rather than requiring fixed matching criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static droop coefficients to dynamic, continuously adjustable parameters that adapt to changing grid conditions and element characteristics. This dynamic approach enables the system to maintain stability while seamlessly integrating various types of generators and loads without requiring precise pre-matching, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a behavior of at least one member of a local power grid. In one embodiment, the system comprises a monitoring system, comprising at least one processor, for obtaining a measure of grid stress and deriving at least one of financial incentives and financial disincentives, based on the measure of grid stress, to cause at least one member of the local grid to change behavior.