Power Grid Frequency Response Estimation Using Controlled Disturbances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for determining grid frequency response parameters in power grids lack versatility and accuracy, especially when Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) are not available in all parts of the grid, and there is a need for improved automation to assess and mitigate frequency changes caused by disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that introduce controlled disturbances into the power grid to measure frequency changes, using apparatuses that affect reactive power to minimize voltage impacts and determine response parameters like inertia and damping, even without full PMU observability, by processing data on total power deviations including disturbance, load, and loss power changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PMU instrumentation is deployed throughout the power grid to accurately measure grid frequency response parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controllable loads or generators as intermediary devices to introduce controlled disturbances into the grid. These disturbances serve as test signals that allow the determination of grid frequency response parameters using existing measurement infrastructure, eliminating the need for comprehensive PMU deployment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The method enables the power grid to self-diagnose its frequency response characteristics by introducing controlled disturbances and analyzing the natural grid response. This self-testing capability allows parameter determination using existing grid infrastructure and measurement devices already present in the system, without requiring additional specialized instrumentation.
2Measurement precision
If controlled disturbances are introduced into the power grid to determine response parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but stability of the power grid may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled disturbances that are sufficient to elicit measurable grid frequency responses but remain within safe operational limits. The disturbance magnitude and duration are carefully managed to obtain accurate parameter measurements while preventing excessive frequency deviations that could compromise grid stability or trigger protective relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors grid frequency responses to controlled disturbances and uses this feedback information to determine response parameters. The feedback mechanism allows real-time assessment of grid stability during disturbance testing and enables adjustment of disturbance characteristics to maintain stability while obtaining accurate measurements.
3Productivity
If automated processing systems are implemented to determine grid frequency response parameters, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual analysis methods with automated digital signal processing techniques. The processing system automatically analyzes frequency response data from controlled disturbances, computes grid frequency response parameters, and generates results without human intervention. This substitution of manual mechanical analysis with automated computational methods significantly improves productivity while the modular software architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Processing methods and processing systems are provided which are operative for processing measurements acquired in a power grid (11). The processing system (20) is operative to determine disturbance parameters, cause introduction of a disturbance into the power grid in accordance with the disturbance parameters, and determine, based on measurements, at least one response parameter that affects a grid frequency response of at least the part of the power grid to a further disturbance.