Grid Power Control via Optimization-Based Proportional Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling electrical power in grids rely on heuristic approaches and complex simulations to establish parameters for proportional controllers, which are inefficient and do not ensure optimal stability and robustness, particularly in balancing power distribution between nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method that models the steady state of an electrical grid using a dynamic physical model and optimization techniques to determine optimal reference powers and proportionality factors for proportional controllers, ensuring minimal phase differences between nodes and thus stable operation, using numerical methods to solve the optimization problem without extensive simulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heuristic approaches and complex simulations are used to establish parameters for proportional controllers, then the parameters can be determined, but the process is inefficient and does not ensure optimal stability and robustness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and robustness of electrical gridVSAvoidefficiency of parameter determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex simulation-based heuristic approaches with a mathematical optimization model. The steady-state behavior of the electrical grid is described by load flow equations, and controller parameters are determined by solving an optimization problem that directly maximizes stability margins, eliminating the need for iterative simulations and heuristic tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the problem from parameter tuning based on simulations to an optimization problem where controller parameters (proportionality factors and reference powers) are explicitly determined as functions of grid topology and operating conditions. The optimization model directly computes optimal parameters that guarantee stability margins without requiring complex simulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a fixed ratio between proportionality factor and reference power is applied to all generating units, then implementation is simplified, but optimal stability and robustness cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of controller parameter settingVSAvoidstability and robustness of electrical grid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different controller parameters to different nodes in the electrical grid based on their specific characteristics. The optimization model computes node-specific proportionality factors and reference powers that reflect local grid conditions, topology, and operating requirements, rather than applying a uniform fixed ratio across all generating units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes controller parameters adaptive to grid conditions. The optimization model allows parameters to be adjusted based on changing operating conditions, grid topology, and load patterns, enabling the system to maintain optimal stability margins under varying conditions rather than relying on fixed static parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If extensive complex simulations are performed to analyze grid stability, then stability assessment can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability assessment capabilityVSAvoidtime for parameter establishment and optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming iterative simulations with a direct mathematical optimization approach. The steady-state load flow equations provide an analytical description of grid behavior, and the optimization model directly computes optimal parameters without requiring repeated simulations, dramatically reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary modeling of the steady-state grid behavior using load flow equations before optimization. This preliminary analytical model captures the essential dynamics, allowing the subsequent optimization to directly determine parameters without needing extensive simulations during the actual parameter establishment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9948103B2Method for the computer-aided control of the power in an electrical grid

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A method for computer-aided control of power in an electrical grid is provided. The electrical grid has a redetermined rated frequency and includes network nodes that are interconnected via power supply lines, each of the nodes supplying power to or drawing power from the electrical grid. At least part of the nodes are provided with proportional controllers, for which a reference power and/or a proportionality factor is set, and which control the power that is supplied or drawn by each network node based on the difference between the frequency of the voltage in each network node and the rated frequency of the electrical grid. The reference power and the proportionality factor of at least some of the proportional controllers are determined on the basis of solving an optimization problem. The stability and robustness of the operation of the electrical grid is optimized without the need for carrying out complex simulations.