Grid-Edge DER Dispatch Under Local Power Quality Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility distribution grids face challenges in dispatching distributed energy resources (DERs) at the grid edge due to computational complexity, latency in communication, privacy concerns, and the non-linear nature of DER behavior, which complicates precise and timely control of electricity supply and demand.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DER control device at the grid edge that receives operational constraints from a central hub, using stochastic scenario modeling and multi-stage optimization to plan DER dispatch over a longer time horizon while ensuring real-time compliance with local power quality constraints, employing techniques like stochastic programming, regression, and neural networks for accurate power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DER dispatch is performed at the transmission level with centralized optimization, then solution convergence can be achieved through linearized functions, but computational complexity increases and latency increases when performed at the grid edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DER dispatch problem into two parts: (1) transmission-level centralized optimization that provides operational constraints and targets, and (2) grid-edge local optimization that achieves real-time dispatch. This segmentation allows each level to operate with appropriate computational complexity - the transmission level handles high-level planning with linearized functions for convergence, while the grid edge handles real-time execution with lower computational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer at the grid edge that translates centralized operational constraints into local dispatch decisions. This intermediary performs local optimization that bridges the transmission-level planning and actual DER execution, reducing latency by making decisions locally rather than requiring continuous centralized computation for every dispatch action.
2Loss of time
If DER dispatch is performed at the grid edge with real-time control, then latency is reduced and responsiveness improved, but computational complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transmission-level system pre-calculate operational constraints and targets before transmitting them to the grid edge. This advance preparation reduces the computational burden on grid-edge devices during real-time operation, as they only need to execute pre-planned dispatch decisions with minimal local optimization, thereby reducing latency without requiring excessive computational resources at the edge.
3Measurement precision
If frequent data transmission between central hub and edge device is implemented, then real-time monitoring and control accuracy improve, but resource consumption and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by transmitting only essential operational constraints and targets from the central hub to the grid edge, rather than all possible data. The grid-edge device performs local optimization using this partial information set, achieving sufficient control accuracy without the resource consumption associated with transmitting and processing complete real-time data streams bidirectionally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If centralized optimization includes all edge DERs, then comprehensive grid management is achieved, but computational complexity becomes prohibitive for real-time operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive grid management function between transmission-level centralized optimization and grid-edge local optimization. The transmission level provides operational constraints that ensure comprehensive grid-wide coordination, while the grid edge executes real-time dispatch decisions independently. This segmentation maintains comprehensive management capabilities while enabling real-time operational speed by avoiding the need for centralized computation of every local dispatch decision.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to the dispatch of distributed energy resources (DER). A DER control device can be located at a site connected with an electricity distribution grid. The DER control device receives, from a data processing system of the electricity distribution grid that is remote from the DER control device, an operational constraint. The DER control device generates, for a time interval, trajectories for characteristics of electricity at the site based on the operational constraint and bounds for local power quality at the site. The DER control device detects, in real-time during the time interval, a condition related to the characteristics of electricity. The DER control device controls, in real-time and responsive to the detection, during the time interval, delivery of power from one or more DERs based on i) one or more of the trajectories, ii) the detected condition, and iii) the bounds for local power quality.