Distribution System Reconfiguration for Loss Minimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution systems face challenges in minimizing power losses due to high load fluctuations and imbalances, as conventional reconfiguration techniques require accurate real-time load measurements and frequent system changes, which are impractical and costly.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that select a specific period for calculating loss minimization, determine a loss minimization time point by considering variations in section loads, and reconfigure the distribution system using a system configuration corresponding to this time point, thereby optimizing system configuration without the need for real-time measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If real-time load measurement and frequent system reconfiguration are implemented, then distribution loss minimization is improved, but device complexity and investment cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution lossVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal reconfiguration patterns for different load conditions before actual operation. The system pre-processes possible scenarios and creates a lookup table of optimal configurations, so that during real-time operation, only a simple pattern match and configuration application is needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified representative models of load patterns and system configurations. Instead of measuring and analyzing actual complex real-time loads, the system uses pre-defined load pattern models that capture essential characteristics. These models are copied and matched against current conditions to select pre-calculated optimal reconfiguration patterns, greatly reducing computational and measurement complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of energy

If real-time load measurement and frequent reconfiguration are performed, then distribution loss minimization is improved, but loss of time and operational practicality worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution lossVSAvoidtime for measurement and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal reconfiguration patterns for different load conditions before actual operation. The system pre-processes possible scenarios and creates a lookup table of optimal configurations, so that during real-time operation, only a simple pattern match and configuration application is needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action by using representative time periods (such as peak, valley, and flat periods) to characterize load patterns. Instead of continuous real-time analysis, the system periodically samples or categorizes loads into these representative periods and applies pre-determined optimal configurations for each period type, significantly reducing the time required for loss minimization operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If equipment and infrastructure are replaced for real-time measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and investment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload measurement precisionVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified representative models of load patterns and system configurations. Instead of measuring and analyzing actual complex real-time loads, the system uses pre-defined load pattern models that capture essential characteristics. These models are copied and matched against current conditions to select pre-calculated optimal reconfiguration patterns, greatly reducing computational and measurement complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by using inexpensive, easily obtainable load data from existing meters and sensors rather than investing in complex specialized measurement equipment. The system uses readily available historical and current load information to identify patterns and select pre-calculated optimal configurations, achieving accurate loss minimization without expensive infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9673633B2Apparatus and method for minimizing distribution loss in consideration of section load characteristics of distribution system

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORP

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus and method for minimizing a distribution loss which reconstructs the system construction of a distribution system in consideration of section load characteristics of mutually different distribution system. The apparatus for minimizing a distribution loss which determines a loss calculation period for detecting a loss minimization time point using mutually different distribution systems, calculates loss values of mutually different distribution systems set according to each time point of the loss calculation period, and calculates a total loss value, and selects the mutually different distribution systems one by one during the loss calculation period, and calculates a loss value for specific systems of each distribution system in consideration of a change of a section load in each selected distribution system, determines a loss minimization time point using the specific system loss value of each distribution system and the total loss value.