Multi-layered Distributed Power Grid Control Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power grid lacks dynamic control capabilities to manage power production and distribution efficiently, especially with the integration of alternative and renewable sources, leading to challenges in peak demand management and safety issues due to its antiquated design and lack of distributed intelligence.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered control architecture is integrated into the power grid, comprising enterprise, regional, and local control modules, coupled with simulation systems to dynamically manage power production, distribution, and consumption, enabling real-time adjustments and transactions between various energy stakeholders while ensuring safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized unidirectional electric power transmission system is used, then power distribution is simple and straightforward, but the system lacks dynamic control capabilities and cannot efficiently manage alternative and renewable power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules distributed across different locations in the power grid. Each control module manages a specific region or set of power sources, enabling localized dynamic control while maintaining overall system coordination. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse power sources and variable demands without requiring a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional single-layer centralized control architecture to a multi-layered distributed control architecture. This dimensional change introduces hierarchical levels (enterprise, regional, local) that operate simultaneously, adding complexity in structure but enabling dynamic control capabilities that were impossible in the flat centralized model.
2Productivity
If manual control methods are employed in the power grid, then system simplicity is maintained, but peak demand management and safety control become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control modules continuously monitor power grid conditions including power flow, voltage levels, and demand patterns. This real-time feedback enables automatic adjustment of power distribution, generation control, and safety mechanisms. The feedback loops allow the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions without manual intervention, significantly improving power management efficiency while maintaining appropriate automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control modules are designed to autonomously make control decisions based on pre-established criteria and real-time data. Each module can independently manage its local power sources and distribution without constant human oversight, enabling the system to self-regulate and optimize performance. This self-service capability increases automation while maintaining operational simplicity through decentralized intelligence.
3Reliability
If the existing antiquated power grid design is maintained, then infrastructure costs are minimized, but reliability and safety issues arise due to lack of distributed intelligence
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control function into distributed modules, the system achieves enhanced reliability through redundancy and localization. If one control module fails, others continue to operate independently, preventing system-wide failures. This segmentation allows the adoption of more complex and reliable control architecture without requiring complete infrastructure replacement, as existing physical infrastructure can retain its simpler design while gaining intelligent control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control modules act as intermediaries between the existing physical power infrastructure and the need for intelligent management. These modules interface with traditional equipment, adding layers of intelligence and coordination without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying infrastructure. This intermediary approach enables improved reliability through sophisticated control while minimizing the complexity and cost of physical infrastructure changes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A control system for a distributed power grid includes a simulation module operative to directly interface with operational control of distributed energy resources (DER) to develop and when necessary dynamically modify control inputs of the distributed power grid. By conducting a decentralized and distributed simulation of DER topology (components and their surrounding infrastructure) each distributed control module can simulate control response characteristics of a plurality of DER to determine a control methodology necessary to achieve a desired target. Once developed the same control inputs can be directly applied to physical DER and thereafter monitored to validate performance. Once validated, operational control of the DER is established while ongoing modifications of the control inputs continue in parallel to maintain desired performance.