Dynamic Remedial Action Scheme for Power Grid Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional autonomous real-time remedial action systems (RAS) for electric power delivery rely on static action tables that require extensive pre-studies and updates, making them inefficient in responding to changing system topologies and unforeseen contingencies, especially when multiple faults occur.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous real-time RAS control system that calculates remedial actions dynamically using linear optimization and piecewise linearization of power flow equations, allowing it to respond to any combination of contingencies without pre-determined action tables, by modeling power systems with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and optimizing active and reactive power balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If static action tables are used for remedial actions, then the system can respond quickly to contingencies, but the system cannot adapt to changing topologies or unforeseen contingencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidadaptability to changing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static action tables to dynamic real-time calculations. The RAS control system continuously monitors system state and dynamically computes remedial actions based on current conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing topologies and unforeseen contingencies while maintaining rapid response through automated real-time decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of remedial action determination from fixed pre-stored values to dynamically calculated values based on real-time system state. By continuously updating the action determination based on current power flow, topology, and contingency conditions, the system achieves both speed and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If extensive pre-studies are conducted to create action tables, then comprehensive coverage of contingencies is achieved, but the system requires frequent updates and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontingency coverageVSAvoidsystem maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RAS control system performs self-updates by continuously monitoring system topology and parameters. Instead of requiring external manual updates to action tables, the system automatically adapts its remedial actions based on real-time measurements from phasor measurement units and state estimators, eliminating the need for frequent manual pre-studies and updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where system state measurements feed into real-time calculations of remedial actions. This feedback mechanism ensures the system maintains comprehensive contingency coverage by continuously adapting to actual system conditions without requiring manual intervention for updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If real-time calculations are performed without pre-determined action tables, then adaptability to any contingency is achieved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of any contingencyVSAvoidcalculation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary setup by pre-configuring the optimization framework, objective functions, and constraint structures during system commissioning. While the specific remedial actions are calculated in real-time, the computational framework itself is prepared in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time calculations by having the mathematical structure ready for rapid solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lookup of pre-stored action tables with an optimized computational system using linear optimization and piecewise linearization. This substitution reduces calculation complexity by using efficient mathematical algorithms that converge quickly, making real-time calculation of adaptive remedial actions computationally feasible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11735913B2Autonomous real-time remedial action scheme (RAS)

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

An autonomous real-time remedial action scheme (RAS) control system may receive electrical measurements of a power system. The RAS control system may determine active power and reactive power of each bus in the power system based on the received electrical measurements. The RAS control system may dynamically determine whether to shed one or more loads, generators, or both in the power system by optimizing an objective function to maintain maximum critical load and maximum critical generation in the electrical system based on the active and reactive power of each bus in the power system and the generation of each generator in the power system. The RAS control system may send a command to trip at least one breaker to cause the at least one breaker to shed the one or more loads, generators, or both. The RAS control system may send a command to runback one or more generators.