Distribution Controller for Power Grid Adaptability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of power distribution networks due to new regulations, rapid expansion, integration of renewable energy, and changed demand patterns leads to unpredictable operating states, causing conflicting requirements in power distribution systems that existing technologies struggle to manage efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A distribution controller that processes and evaluates data from secondary devices, implementing application function algorithms and logical nodes to derive and coordinate actions for primary devices, including conflict resolution and decision-making based on prioritization and historical data, while also communicating with neighboring regions for enhanced operational performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the distribution network expands rapidly and integrates renewable energy sources, then the adaptability and coverage of the power distribution system improve, but the complexity of coordinating distributed generation and managing unpredictable operating states increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the distribution network into multiple distribution regions, each managed by a dedicated distribution controller. This segmentation allows each controller to independently manage local renewable energy integration and operating states, reducing the coordination complexity that would arise from managing the entire expanded network as a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new coordination dimension by implementing inter-controller communication and coordination mechanisms. This adds a hierarchical layer where controllers not only manage their local regions but also coordinate with neighboring controllers, enabling the system to handle expanded adaptability while distributing complexity across multiple coordination levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple distribution controllers operate independently in their respective regions, then the ease of operation and local response time improve, but conflicts may arise at regional boundaries requiring coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where distribution controllers exchange information about their operating states, proposed actions, and regional conditions with neighboring controllers. This feedback loop enables controllers to adjust their operations to prevent conflicts at regional boundaries, maintaining reliability while preserving local operational independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between neighboring distribution controllers. This intermediary function resolves conflicts at regional boundaries by mediating between independently operating controllers, ensuring reliable coordinated action while maintaining the ease of local operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If application function algorithms derive multiple proposed actions simultaneously, then the optimization capability improves, but conflicting actions require additional coordination overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary coordination by having distribution controllers exchange information about their proposed actions before executing them. This preliminary action allows controllers to identify and resolve potential conflicts in advance, enabling multiple optimization algorithms to run simultaneously without causing execution conflicts, thus maintaining productivity while minimizing coordination time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2171822B1Controlling distribution of electrical power
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2171822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2171822B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2171822B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention is concerned with controlling distributing of electrical power in a power distribution region. To effectively control the distribution of power in the distribution region, the substation (3) of the region is provided with a distribution controller (19) or Intelligent Substation Control System (ISCS). The distribution controller is connected to various process devices (21), which in turn are connected to primary devices (23) of the region. The process devices send data corresponding to the primary devices to the distribution controller, and the distribution controller includes a processing means (29) which proposes a set of actions based on the received data. Further, the distribution controller comprises a coordinating means (33) which selects the final action from the set of proposed actions. The final act ion is implemented on the primary devices of the distribution region.