Distributed Voltage Control for Renewable Distribution Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of renewable energy sources into power distribution networks leads to unpredictable power generation, causing overvoltage issues at distribution terminals, which complicates maintaining power quality without limiting the renewable energy sources' output.

Innovation Solution

A distributed control system is implemented, where multiple distributed devices connected to the network through different nodes work together to manage power resources, such as energy storage systems and load resources, to autonomously regulate voltage levels and prevent overvoltage by controlling distributed resources in a hierarchical manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of renewable energy power generation devices is increased, then the use of renewable energy sources is increased, but the power quality of distribution terminals deteriorates due to overvoltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidpower quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the distribution network into multiple segments with different nodes, each equipped with distributed devices that independently monitor and control voltage levels. This segmentation allows localized voltage regulation without limiting overall power generation from renewable sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from limiting power generation output to adjusting voltage levels through distributed devices. By controlling voltage parameters at different nodes rather than restricting power generation, the system maintains power quality while preserving renewable energy production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If operators demand to limit the power generation amounts of renewable energy sources to resolve overvoltage, then the overvoltage state is resolved, but the needs of society to increase renewable energy use are conflicted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower qualityVSAvoidpower generation amount

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces distributed devices as intermediaries between renewable energy sources and the distribution network. These devices act as mediators that regulate voltage levels without directly limiting power generation, thereby resolving overvoltage while preserving renewable energy production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of limiting power generation output with an electrical control approach using distributed devices. Instead of reducing power generation mechanically, the system uses electrical voltage regulation to maintain power quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If distributed control is implemented instead of central control, then power quality is maintained without limiting renewable energy output, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function across multiple distributed devices located at different nodes, eliminating the need for a centralized control system. Each distributed device independently performs monitoring and control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple distributed devices are deployed at different nodes, then voltage regulation effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of distributed devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by deploying distributed devices at specific nodes where voltage regulation is most needed. Each device is positioned strategically to address local overvoltage conditions, providing effective voltage regulation without requiring universal deployment across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12199427B2Distribution network management system using distributed control

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES

AI summary

A distribution network management system includes a power generation device including a renewable energy power generation source, and is connected to a distribution network through a first node; a first distributed device including a first distributed resource, connected to the distribution network through a second node, and configured to receive first node information and power generation information from the power generation device and attempt to control the first distributed resource so that an overvoltage for the first node is resolved; and a second distributed device including a second distributed resource, connected to the distribution network through a third node which is located farther away from the first node than the second node, and configured to, when the first node information and the power generation information are received from the first distributed device, attempt to control the second distributed resource so that the overvoltage for the first node is resolved.