Utility Grid Network Management System for Failure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in managing the vast amounts of data generated by smart grids, leading to potential failures in analyzing communication network issues, which can impact decision-making and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication network management system that includes a database for storing grid information, a network management system to identify and address failures, a fault, performance, and configuration management module to determine root causes, an incident management module for trouble ticketing, and a service level management module for reporting penalties and ensuring contractual obligations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If utilities implement smart grid with vast array of sensors and devices, then data collection capability is improved, but data analysis capability deteriorates due to inundation of workforce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated data management system that acts as an intermediary between the smart grid sensors/devices and the utility workforce. This system automatically collects, processes, and analyzes the vast amounts of grid data, filtering and prioritizing information before presenting it to workers. The automated intermediary handles the data deluge, enabling the workforce to focus on high-value decision-making tasks rather than being overwhelmed by raw data volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If utilities deploy new technologies and devices in smart grid, then functionality is improved, but financial and operational success deteriorates due to uncertainty regarding return and benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated data management system continuously monitors smart grid performance, analyzes operational data, and provides actionable insights about the actual return on investment and operational benefits of deployed technologies. This feedback loop enables utilities to make informed decisions about technology deployments, adjusting strategies based on measured outcomes to ensure financial and operational success while maintaining functional adaptability.
3Loss of information
If workforce is inundated with flow of information from smart grid, then information availability is improved, but decision-making speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates critical decision-making information from the overwhelming flow of raw smart grid data. The automated management system filters out noise and non-essential information, extracting only the most relevant insights and anomalies that require human attention. This extraction process delivers concentrated, high-value information to the workforce, enabling rapid decision-making without sacrificing information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communication network management of a utility grid includes a database configured to store a grid information data set, where the grid information data set includes network device information for the utility grid and a network management system executable by a processor to: receive an event message from one or more network devices indicative of one or more failures in a communication network of the utility grid; retrieve the grid information data set; identify one or more network device associated with the one or more failures based on the grid information data set; transmit a request for a response to the identified one or more network devices; determine a response pattern based on responses from the identified one or more network devices in order to identify a cause of the failure based on the response pattern.