Peer-to-Peer Electrical Grid Allocation via Distance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical grid systems face inefficiencies and security concerns due to the need for long-distance power transmission and reliance on central server structures, which increase transaction costs and complexity, while also posing challenges in protecting confidential data from unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A method that allocates electrical producers to consumers based on distance and predicted energy needs, using a peer-to-peer network to manage the grid without a central instance, allowing for secure and efficient power distribution by determining consumption and production predictions and storing allocation data in a decentralized registry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central server structure is used to manage the electrical grid, then coordination and control of producers and consumers can be achieved, but transaction costs increase and security risks arise from centralized confidential data storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized grid management function into distributed peer-to-peer interactions. Instead of a single central server, multiple nodes (producers and consumers) independently execute the peer-to-peer application, each maintaining local registry data. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure and reduces centralized infrastructure complexity while maintaining coordination capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where producers and consumers autonomously match with each other based on their energy needs and availability. The system uses automated algorithms to predict production and consumption, determine distances, and perform allocations without human intervention. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity and transaction costs by eliminating manual coordination processes.
2Productivity
If power is transmitted over long distances from producers to consumers, then energy distribution can be achieved, but transmission losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by prioritizing matches between producers and consumers based on geographic proximity. The system calculates distances and preferentially allocates power from nearby producers, ensuring that energy is transmitted over the shortest possible distances. This local-focused approach minimizes transmission losses while maintaining effective power distribution across the grid.
3Ease of operation
If a central instance manages the electrical grid, then centralized control and monitoring are achieved, but security expenditure increases to protect confidential data from unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data storage into distributed storage across multiple peer nodes. Each node maintains a copy of the registry data, eliminating the single point of failure. This segmentation provides inherent security and reliability because the system can continue operating even if individual nodes are compromised, and no single point contains all confidential data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic intermediaries to secure peer-to-peer communications and data exchanges. Instead of relying on centralized security measures, the system uses cryptographic protocols to authenticate participants and protect data integrity during transmissions. This intermediary layer of cryptographic security reduces the need for expensive physical security infrastructure while maintaining high reliability.
4Productivity
If producers are allocated to consumers without considering distance, then allocation speed increases, but transmission efficiency and system optimization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing distance information between producers and consumers in the registry. When allocation decisions are needed, the system can quickly retrieve pre-computed distance data without performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation maintains high allocation speed while enabling distance-optimized matching decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the allocation parameters based on distance metrics. The system adjusts the matching criteria to prioritize geographically proximal pairs, transforming the allocation process from a simple speed-optimized match to a multi-parameter optimization that balances speed with transmission efficiency. This parameter adjustment enables the system to reduce energy losses while maintaining acceptable allocation velocities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method of operating an electrical grid having at least one electrical consumer and a plurality of electrical producers are disclosed. In the method, a consumption prediction for the electrical consumer is provided, and production predictions for each electrical producer of a plurality of electrical producers are provided. The respective distances between the electrical consumer and each electrical producer of the plurality of electrical producers are determined. An electrical producer of the electrical producers is allocated to the electrical consumer in a first allocating step such that the provided consumption prediction of the electrical consumer matches to the provided production prediction of the at least one electrical producer and such that the determined distance between the electrical consumer and the at least one electrical producer is at least smaller than at least one first distance limit.