Distributed Edge Grid Control Using Intelligent FACTS Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of non-conventional energy sources and power storage devices with the power grid poses challenges in optimizing power flow due to unpredictable weather patterns and consumer demand, while environmental and regulatory issues require proactive management, which existing control systems struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-aware intelligent impedance injection modules (IIMs) and FACTS-based control devices that provide localized control and communication capabilities, enabling dynamic optimization of power flow and resource utilization across the grid, incorporating real-time data and policy compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional EMS/SCADA control systems are used for power grid control, then centralized supervision and communication between controllers and substations is provided, but the system cannot respond fast enough to unpredictable weather patterns and consumer demand changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed intelligent agents deployed at multiple locations across the power grid. Each agent independently monitors local conditions and executes control actions, eliminating the single-point bottleneck of traditional EMS/SCADA systems and enabling parallel processing of control decisions across the grid infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static, pre-programmed responses to dynamic, adaptive control through intelligent agents that continuously learn from real-time data. The agents adjust their behavior based on changing grid conditions, weather patterns, and consumer demand, enabling the system to respond flexibly and rapidly to unpredictable variations without requiring complex reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-conventional generation sources like wind and solar are integrated, then renewable energy capacity is increased, but power flow optimization becomes difficult due to unpredictable weather and environmental characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
Intelligent agents continuously monitor real-time data from weather stations, generation assets, and grid sensors, using this feedback to predict and adjust for variations in renewable energy output. The agents learn from historical patterns and current conditions to anticipate changes in wind, solar, and other non-conventional generation sources, maintaining power flow reliability despite environmental unpredictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent agents autonomously manage the integration of non-conventional generation sources by independently analyzing local weather patterns, predicting generation output, and adjusting grid operations without requiring centralized intervention. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to renewable energy variability in real-time, maintaining reliability while maximizing renewable integration.
3Speed
If distributed and localized control using FACTS based IIMs is implemented, then fast local response to power line characteristic changes is achieved, but integration with centralized supervision and policy compliance becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent agents are designed as multi-functional units that simultaneously perform localized real-time control of FACTS devices, maintain communication with centralized supervision systems, and enforce policy constraints. This universal design allows the same software agents to operate at multiple hierarchical levels, coordinating distributed control actions with centralized oversight without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent agents serve as intermediary components between the distributed FACTS-based local control systems and the centralized supervision infrastructure. They translate local real-time control decisions into formats compatible with centralized systems while incorporating policy compliance rules, thereby bridging the gap between fast local responses and centralized coordination without increasing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If power storage devices and FACTS devices are added to improve grid performance, then overall grid system performance is enhanced, but control and communication integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for power storage devices and FACTS devices into a unified intelligent agent framework. Rather than implementing separate control systems for each device type, the same software agents manage all distributed energy resources, coordinating their operations to achieve grid performance enhancement while reducing the complexity of control integration through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system enabling localized intelligent control with communication and coordination at local subsections of a power grid with information transfer to utility for supervisory control is disclosed. The disclosure extends the control and communication capability within, at the edge, and outside the edge of the power grid using intelligent and self-aware FACTS devices. Aspects of the disclosure enable control of a distribution network, energy storage systems and generation sources as an integrated system allowing optimization of power grid operation from generation to distribution. This control capability further enables a supervisory utility to implement and manage policy issues, such as standard compliance, carbon emission reduction, right-of-way management, and conformance to environmental regulations, such as EMI compliance, noise reduction, etc. This also allows the supervisory utility to optimize energy cost, network reliability, and asset utilization and life.