Dynamic Microgrid Segmentation for Islanding Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Microgrids face power imbalances and stability issues due to sudden changes in power generation and load, making it challenging to achieve stable operation through segmentation, especially during islanding events.

Innovation Solution

Dynamic linking of switches within the microgrid allows for real-time adjustment of segments based on changing requirements, enabling different operating parameters such as frequency and power quality across segments, thereby maintaining essential loads and preventing power imbalances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microgrid segmentation is implemented using controllable switches, then power imbalances can be reduced and stability improved, but segmentation cannot adapt to continuous changes in power generation and demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrogrid stabilityVSAvoidsegmentation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the switch grouping dynamic rather than static. The control arrangement continuously monitors microgrid conditions and dynamically reconfigures which switches are grouped together, allowing the segmentation to adapt to changing power generation and demand conditions while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If segmentation is performed after an event occurs, then the microgrid can respond to imbalances, but there is a delay in response time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrogrid stabilityVSAvoidsegmentation response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-grouping switches into potential segments before events occur. The control arrangement prepares multiple switch groupings in advance based on predicted scenarios, so when an event occurs, the appropriate pre-prepared grouping can be immediately activated without delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If all switches are controlled independently, then fine-grained control is achieved, but control complexity and decision-making burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into groups of switches that are controlled together as units. The control arrangement manages multiple switch groupings rather than individual switches, reducing control complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve precise segmentation when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3387726B1Microgrid segmentation
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3387726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3387726B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3387726B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a microgrid arrangement (1) comprising a microgrid (6) comprising a plurality of switches (8), and a plurality of Distributed Generators (DGs) (2a,2b,2c) arranged for being connected to the microgrid (6). The method comprises obtaining information about the microgrid arrangement(1).The method also comprises, based on the obtained information, dynamically linking a first group of switches, of the plurality of switches (8), to each other. The method also comprises detecting an event in the microgrid (6), and in response to the detection, automatically opening closed switches in the first group, whereby a first segment (9a) of the microgrid (6) is disconnected from a second segment (9b) of the microgrid (6).