Energy Network Modeling With Node-Based Granularity at National Scale
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy modeling software platforms are inadequate for large-scale national modeling due to limitations in scalability and granularity, complexity, data management, stakeholder engagement, and lack of multi-user collaboration.
Innovation Solution
A networked software platform that enables crowd-sourced data management and quality assurance, allowing for large geographic scale simulations with high granularity, and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, and the public.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If previous energy simulation software platforms use optimization algorithms to identify best solutions, then computation can be completed in reasonable time, but the software cannot effectively be used at large scale with high granularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy system into multiple independent nodes representing different geographic regions, each with its own detailed modeling capabilities. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high granularity at the node level while managing computation at a scalable level by processing nodes independently and aggregating results.
2Device complexity
If national models simplify infrastructure characterization, then computation remains manageable, but granularity is lost and individual power plant details cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex national energy model into discrete nodes, where each node can represent individual power plants, transmission lines, or regional systems with full detail. This segmentation allows detailed infrastructure characterization without overwhelming system-level complexity, as each segment is modeled independently with appropriate granularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different nodes to have different levels of detail and complexity appropriate to their specific function and importance. Critical infrastructure elements can be modeled with high granularity while less critical elements use simplified representations, optimizing the balance between detail and computational manageability.
3Manufacturing precision
If previous software platforms are complex and expensive, then they can perform detailed modeling, but they are not amenable to stakeholder engagement and widespread collaboration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform that serves multiple stakeholder groups with diverse needs. The system can perform detailed technical modeling for experts while simultaneously providing simplified interfaces and pre-configured scenarios for non-technical stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. This multi-functionality allows one platform to serve both advanced modeling needs and broad engagement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The web-based platform acts as an intermediary between complex modeling algorithms and diverse stakeholders. It translates sophisticated energy system simulations into accessible visualizations, reports, and interactive tools that non-technical users can understand and engage with, while maintaining the rigorous modeling capabilities needed for accurate analysis.
4Productivity
If utility planning products are limited in geographic scale, then computation remains manageable, but they cannot be used for national-level energy planning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the national geographic area into discrete nodes that can be independently modeled and processed. This segmentation enables the platform to handle national-scale simulations by breaking down the large problem into manageable pieces that can be computed efficiently and then aggregated to produce comprehensive national-level results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional regional models to a multi-dimensional national framework by adding the dimension of inter-node connectivity and aggregation. The system models not only individual nodes in detail but also the relationships and energy flows between nodes, enabling national-scale analysis while maintaining computational efficiency through hierarchical processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for modeling networks of electricity supply and demand includes a first user interface, a second user interface, a database, a controller, and a memory including instructions. The database includes a data set defining nodes and domains, each node being a geographic area with defined electricity supply and demand, each plan including instructions related to a node for managing energy infrastructure and supply and demand changes. The controller is configured to: receive a first request to create a first plan for a first node of a collection; receive plan instructions for the first plan; receive a second user request to create a second plan for a second node of the collection; receive a plan instruction to interconnect the first node with the second node in the first plan; generate a forecast including a projected value for an energy infrastructure variable; and display the forecast.