Localized Intelligence Centers for Power Grid Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power grid systems face challenges in optimizing power flow from generation to distribution due to unpredictable renewable energy sources and varying consumer demand, requiring advanced control and communication systems to manage power storage and FACTS devices efficiently while adhering to environmental and regulatory constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising localized intelligence centers, impedance injection modules, sensors, and supervisory utilities that provide hierarchical monitoring and control of high-voltage or medium-voltage power grids, enabling real-time data collection and injection of voltage or impedance to manage power flow, optimize energy cost, network reliability, and asset utilization, while adhering to operational constraints and regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed generation and storage devices are added to the power grid, then power flow optimization and grid reliability are improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power grid into multiple control zones with localized intelligence centers (LINC) that independently manage distributed generation and storage devices within each zone. This segmentation allows complex control functions to be distributed across multiple simple local units rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller, thereby improving grid reliability through localized autonomous response while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Localized intelligence centers act as intermediary devices between the centralized energy management system and distributed grid assets. These LINC units translate high-level control objectives into specific control actions for individual distributed generation and storage devices, simplifying the control interface while enabling sophisticated coordinated control that improves overall grid reliability.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control of distributed assets is implemented, then power flow optimization is improved, but communication requirements and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into hierarchical layers: local sensing and control at the device level, intermediate processing at localized intelligence centers, and centralized monitoring at the energy management system. This segmentation enables power flow optimization through distributed real-time control while reducing communication complexity by handling most control decisions locally and transmitting only essential data to centralized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by equipping each localized intelligence center with autonomous control capabilities to make real-time power flow optimization decisions based on local grid conditions. This local autonomy reduces the need for complex centralized communication and control, as each LINC unit independently optimizes power flow within its zone using locally available information and simple communication protocols.
3Reliability
If environmental and regulatory constraints are integrated into grid operations, then compliance and sustainability are improved, but operational flexibility and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Environmental and regulatory constraints are pre-configured into the localized intelligence centers as operational guidelines and control parameters. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically comply with regulations during real-time operations without requiring time-consuming centralized approval processes, thereby maintaining both regulatory compliance and fast response times for grid control actions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system optimizes power grid operations by dynamically controlling power flow, enhancing energy efficiency, network reliability, and asset utilization, while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, thereby improving the overall performance and resilience of the power grid.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors coupled to and collectively distributed over or deployed along the transmission lines, each sensor being configured to measure environmental conditions of one of the plurality of transmission lines
Implementation Method 2
each IIM being coupled to a respective segment of one of the plurality of transmission lines and being configured to sense power flow characteristics comprising current and/or voltage and/or power flow changes on the respective transmission line
Implementation Method 3
to inject voltage or impedance into its the respective transmission line
Data Source
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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.