Grid Location Aware Network for Distribution Grid Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical distribution grid faces challenges as a communication medium due to noise, signal attenuation, crosstalk, and interference, which limits its effectiveness for data transmission and grid mapping, particularly in urban settings where high-frequency methods are costly and unreliable, and low-frequency methods have limited data-bearing capacity and undesirable side effects.
Innovation Solution
A Grid Location Aware (GLA) network system that integrates on-grid data collection with existing SCADA systems, using CDMA-like broadband frequency-divided Edge-to-Substation channels and orthogonal chips to minimize interference, allowing for low-power, high-quality current-modulated transmissions that support grid mapping and Smart Grid applications without requiring repeaters or disrupting power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If high-frequency transmission methods are used on the electrical distribution grid, then data transmission capacity is improved, but cost and reliability deteriorate due to noise, signal attenuation, and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high-frequency to low-frequency range (below 1 kHz, preferably 1-500 Hz), which fundamentally alters how signals propagate through the grid. This parameter change reduces susceptibility to noise and interference while maintaining adequate data transmission capacity for grid mapping and monitoring applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effects of the electrical grid (noise, attenuation, interference) into beneficial characteristics for low-frequency transmission. The same grid infrastructure that attenuates high-frequency signals becomes transparent to low-frequency signals, and noise that affects high-frequency bands does not significantly impact low-frequency transmission
2Reliability
If low-frequency transmission methods are used on the electrical distribution grid, then reliability and cost are improved, but data-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission task into multiple orthogonal frequency channels within the low-frequency range. By dividing the available spectrum into distinct orthogonal channels, the system achieves multiplexing capability that increases effective data-bearing capacity while maintaining the reliability benefits of low-frequency transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency diversity as an additional dimension for data transmission. By using orthogonal chips and frequency division, the system transitions from single-channel low-frequency transmission to multi-channel frequency-diverse transmission, effectively increasing data capacity without sacrificing the reliability advantages of low-frequency operation
3Loss of information
If traditional data collection networks are deployed on the electrical distribution grid, then grid mapping capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements deteriorate due to need for repeaters and signal amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for repeaters, amplifiers, and other signal regeneration equipment from the grid infrastructure. By using low-frequency transmission that can propagate through the grid without active regeneration, the system removes complex infrastructure requirements while maintaining grid mapping capability through passive signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical distribution grid serves itself as the transmission medium without requiring additional dedicated communication infrastructure. The existing grid topology and components (transformers, lines, switches) naturally guide and transmit the low-frequency signals, providing self-service communication and mapping capabilities without external intervention
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
Enables reliable, low-power data transmission and accurate grid mapping, improving energy conservation, load balancing, and fault management by inferring grid attributes and reporting them for enhanced Smart Grid operations.
Implementation Method 1
low-power, high-quality current-modulated transmissions
Implementation Method 2
CDMA-like broadband frequency-divided Edge-to-Substation channels and orthogonal chips to minimize interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and methods for optimizing the performance of communication network utilizing an electrical distribution grid are disclosed. Optimization methods may include archiving historical message data and metrics from transmissions by Remote Hubs received on one or more Substation-to-Edge channels. Trends in the archived metrics over time are later analyzed to determine which combination of transmission variables such as frequency band, modulation method, drive voltage, and transmission time produce the highest message success rates overall. The results of such analysis may be used to provide feedback to the Remote Hubs or reveal necessary repairs to the network. Optimization may also be carried out locally by an individual Remote Hub by estimating the impedance of the transmission medium and adjusting either drive voltage or transmission band.