Distributed Link Elements for Power Grid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power grid control systems face challenges in integrating renewable energy sources and distributed generation, with complex regulation between control cells, high data exchange volumes, and security leaks due to contemporary communication technologies, making it difficult to implement prosumer-based complexes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A distributed link-based architecture using encapsulated 'link elements' with clearly defined interfaces, allowing each link to be treated as a closed black box, minimizing data exchange and enhancing cyber-security, while enabling the integration of renewable energy resources and distributed generators through a modular and cohesive power system model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distributed agent technology and high speed fiber network are used for layered control hierarchy, then control capability is improved, but data exchange volume increases tremendously and security leaks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoiddata exchange volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The power grid control system is segmented into independent link elements (microgrids, prosumers, traditional grids) that operate autonomously. Each link element manages its own internal control without requiring continuous data exchange with the central system, thereby reducing overall data volume while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A simplified communication interface acts as an intermediary between link elements and the central control system. This interface exchanges only essential aggregated data (demand values, control commands) rather than raw operational data, reducing data exchange volume while preserving control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If contemporary communication and information technologies are used to modernize power systems, then system functionality is improved, but serious security leaks are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsecurity leaks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into isolated link elements that communicate through standardized interfaces. This segmentation limits the attack surface and contains potential security breaches within individual link elements, preventing system-wide compromise while maintaining modern communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each link element implements its own local security policies and control logic, allowing customized security measures tailored to specific operational requirements. This local autonomy reduces reliance on centralized communication channels that are vulnerable to security leaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If complex regulation between control cells is implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidregulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Complex regulation is distributed to individual link elements that operate autonomously. Each link element implements its own internal regulation mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex centralized coordination between control cells while maintaining control precision through local optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Link elements are designed to self-regulate their own operations based on local conditions and predefined control objectives. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of external regulation mechanisms while maintaining precise control through autonomous decision-making at each link level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If high abstraction level methods are used for power grid control, then theoretical framework is improved, but applicability in large scale deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheoretical frameworkVSAvoidimplementation applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The theoretical framework is instantiated through standardized link elements that can be deployed in any configuration. This segmentation allows the high-level theoretical model to be implemented practically by simply adding or removing link elements without complex reconfiguration, enhancing both scalability and ease of implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The link element design provides a universal interface and standardized communication protocol that works across different scales and configurations. This universality allows the same theoretical framework to be applied from small local microgrids to large interconnected power systems without modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3235094B1Method for a combined control of power grids and customer plants
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 VIENNA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
  • EP3235094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3235094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3235094B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A method for controlling a power grid with a first link element, the first link element (1) having at least one link node (BLiN) for coupling to at least one second link element (1) similar to the first link element (1) and having one or more producer nodes (BPN), one or more load nodes (BLoN), and one or more storage nodes (BSN), comprising, in the first link element (1), receiving a first demand value at the link node (BLiN); calculating a set point based on the first demand value for each of said at least one producer nodes (BPN), load nodes (BLoN), and storage nodes (BSN) of the first link element (1); determining a difference between the first demand value and an actual value which is reached upon applying the set points to said at least one producer nodes (BPN), load nodes (BLoN), and storage nodes (BSN) of the first link element (1); if the determined difference is above a threshold, sending a percentage of the determined difference as a second demand value to the least one second link element (1). The invention further relates to a link element and a power grid.