Distribution Circuit Optimization via Conductor Sizing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical analysis modules fail to optimize power distribution circuits, leading to higher costs and non-compliance with design requirements due to inadequate component sizing and selection, particularly in complex grids with varying load conditions and multiple power phases.
Innovation Solution
An electrical optimization module is introduced to assist in selecting optimal component sizes, such as primary and secondary wiring, and transformers, which reduces costs while ensuring compliance with design requirements by minimizing voltage drops and impedance, and accommodating different load conditions through a computing system configured with specific algorithms and rules for conductor sizing and transformer selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known design tools are used to design the distribution circuit layout, then the design process follows conventional methods, but the complexity of designing with large numbers of circuit elements and multiple power phases makes the layout difficult to design
Solution Approach 1:
The design process is segmented into distinct phases: receiving circuit element data, determining layout configurations, evaluating compliance with design requirements, and optimizing component selections. This segmentation transforms the overwhelming complex task into manageable sequential steps that can be systematically processed
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational module that acts as a bridge between the complex circuit parameters and the designer. This intermediary automatically performs the complex evaluations and optimizations, translating the difficult multi-parameter design problem into straightforward automated processing
2Reliability
If larger components are selected to ensure compliance with design requirements, then reliability and compliance are improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes component parameters (sizes, ratings, specifications) based on actual circuit conditions and design requirements. By adjusting these parameters optimally rather than using fixed conservative selections, the system achieves compliance while minimizing component costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that evaluate circuit performance against design requirements and automatically adjust component selections. This feedback mechanism ensures compliance is achieved through precise component sizing rather than over-specification, reducing unnecessary costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized transformers are used to accommodate varying customer consumption expectations, then adaptability to different loads is improved, but the complexity of component selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by selecting specific transformer sizes optimized for each particular customer location and load profile. Rather than using a uniform approach, each transformer selection is locally optimized based on its specific operational requirements, achieving high adaptability while the system manages the selection complexity
4Reliability
If wire gauge decisions are made to provide reliable electricity flow, then electrical reliability is improved, but costs increase due to selecting larger wire sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes wire gauge parameters by precisely calculating the minimum required conductivity and current-carrying capacity for each circuit segment. This parameter optimization ensures reliable electricity flow while selecting the smallest adequate wire sizes, minimizing material costs
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for optimizing a distribution circuit (e.g., electric power grid) are described. Primary wiring of a distribution circuit may comprise a plurality of unique primary paths, from a source to an end (a transformer). Each primary path may include a plurality of primary segments, and each primary segment may be in one or more primary paths. A maximum voltage drop on any primary segment may be selected as a smallest of maximum allowed voltage drops across that segment in each of the primary paths. Because the voltage drop across each primary path must be less than a prescribed maximum, the sum of the voltage drops across each primary segment in that primary path is less than the prescribed maximum. The prescribed maximum may be adhered to if each primary segment is constructed of a conductor gauge chosen not to exceed the maximum voltage drop for that segment.