Distributed Power Management Controllers for Plant Electrical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized power management systems in process industries face challenges such as high loading, sustained communication loads, limited coverage for islanded networks, and inability to detect downstream transformer overloads, leading to reduced system availability and lack of intelligent load shedding in downstream substations.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power management system using multiple controllers in a hierarchical communication network, where Central Controllers and Local Controllers operate in various modes (remote, partial autonomous, or complete autonomous) to perform power management functions, including load shedding, power balance calculations, and priority-based load management, utilizing open communication standards like IEC61850-MMS and IEC61850-GOOSE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized power management is implemented, then power management functionality is consolidated, but system loading increases and communication loads are sustained at high levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power management system into multiple distributed controllers (primary controllers at downstream substations and a central controller at upstream substation). Each controller handles local power management independently, segmenting the monolithic centralized system into modular units that reduce individual processing loads and communication requirements.
2Device complexity
If centralized power management is implemented, then control functions are consolidated, but coverage for islanded networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control authority between central and local levels, enabling each downstream substation controller to independently manage its local network including islanded conditions. This segmentation ensures that failures or isolations in one area do not compromise overall system coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed controller is equipped with autonomous capabilities to detect and manage islanded networks locally without requiring continuous central controller intervention. The local controllers perform self-service monitoring and control functions, improving reliability for islanded operations.
3Device complexity
If centralized power management is implemented, then management functions are centralized, but downstream transformer overload detection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented and distributed to local controllers at each downstream substation, where they directly monitor their local transformers. This placement enables immediate detection of overload conditions without relying on centralized monitoring, improving detection capability.
4Reliability
If multiple controllers are deployed, then system availability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation to create a hierarchical multi-controller architecture where each controller manages a specific geographic area or function. This structured segmentation improves availability through redundancy while controlling complexity through standardized roles and communication protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for power management for a plant electrical network are provided. The power management system over a plant-wide communication network includes both concepts of hierarchical level and distributed level power management using multiple controllers. At least one controller in the power management system is configured for power management in a first local process area within the plant electrical network and is capable to communicate with at least a second controller configured for power management in a second local process area within the plant electrical network over the communication network.