Distributed Power Grid Control with Autonomous Load Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems in isolated distribution grids face challenges such as inefficient power utilization, difficulty in tracking load changes, and potential overloads due to varying generator and load configurations, as well as the lack of centralized control, which can lead to compromised power systems in case of unit loss.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic and distributed control system with point-to-point communication and autonomous topology discovery, using source and load modules with dedicated microprocessors and consistent algorithms to manage power distribution and adapt to changes in load configurations, ensuring continuous operation even if one unit fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power management systems are used in isolated distribution grids, then centralized control is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates when a central unit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple distributed control modules, each capable of autonomous decision-making. These modules are segmented throughout the power grid infrastructure, allowing local control while maintaining overall system coordination through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized communication protocol as an intermediary layer between distributed control modules and existing power management infrastructure. This mediator enables seamless integration and data exchange without requiring complete system redesign, thus managing complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If generators are oversized to the load they are servicing, then power availability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to excess generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load matching that continuously adjusts generator output based on real-time load conditions. The system monitors power consumption patterns and automatically scales generation capacity to match actual demand, enabling oversized generators to operate efficiently at variable loads rather than running continuously at full capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops between load monitoring systems and generator control mechanisms. This feedback enables the system to detect changes in power demand and automatically adjust generator output, preventing excess generation while ensuring power availability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc load additions are permitted in the power system, then system versatility is improved, but load tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-registering load modules that automatically announce their presence and power requirements to the distributed control system when connected. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual load registration, ensuring accurate tracking of all loads including ad hoc additions while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous feedback communication between load modules and control modules, where loads automatically report their status and power consumption. This feedback loop ensures real-time accuracy in load tracking even as loads are dynamically added or removed from the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote loads are connected to the generator, then system adaptability is improved, but overload risk increases due to difficulty in tracking loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intelligent power switches and control modules as intermediaries between the generator and remote loads. These intermediaries continuously monitor power flow and load conditions, providing real-time information to the distributed control system to prevent overload conditions while enabling remote load connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through distributed control modules that continuously monitor power consumption at each connection point. When approaching overload thresholds, the system automatically receives feedback and takes corrective action by disconnecting non-critical loads or alerting operators, thus preventing overload while maintaining system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of dynamic distributed control with network topology discovery and load discovery in an isolated distribution grid is provided. Source modules connect to AC generators and output high voltage DC power on ports. Load modules receive the high voltage DC power on connected ports and convert the DC power to AC power. Loads are connected to AC outlets on load modules. A source module discovers the connected network topology through a series of states following the reading of a configuration file and creates an adjacency map. Each module has a microprocessor. Each microprocessor runs load discovery algorithms using its adjacency map as input. Load changes are detected and adjacency maps are amended to maintain consistency across all adjacency maps. Priority is afforded to desired loads when demand exceeds capacity.