Power Network Topology Reconstruction from Serialized Grid Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SCADA systems face challenges in predicting and controlling low and medium-voltage electrical networks due to the increasing complexity from distributed electricity generation, lack of measured information, and the need for manual data transformation into standardized formats, which is time-consuming and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for deserializing network information from various formats into a consistent topology using a rule-based or machine learning approach, enabling automated data transformation and exchange between different network operators, independent of external data models, and facilitating standardized processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data transformation into standardized formats is used, then data exchange between different network operators is enabled, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange accuracyVSAvoiddata transformation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data transformation processes with automated computer-implemented methods. The system automatically deserializes network information from various formats, detects topology structures, and transforms data into standardized formats without human intervention, thereby eliminating time loss and errors associated with manual processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing data transformation and standardization tasks. The computer-implemented method autonomously handles the complete workflow of receiving network information, deserializing it, detecting topology, and outputting standardized data without requiring manual operation, making the process both faster and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If serialized network information is used for data exchange, then compatibility between different systems is improved, but topological system information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata format compatibilityVSAvoidtopological system information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and preserving topological system information during the deserialization process. Before finalizing the standardized output, the system actively reconstructs the network topology from the serialized data, ensuring that topological information is recovered and maintained throughout the data exchange process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary deserialization and topology detection process between the serialized input format and the standardized output format. This intermediary step acts as a bridge that not only converts formats but also actively reconstructs and preserves topological relationships that would otherwise be lost in serialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional state estimation methods are used in distribution grids, then system status can be estimated, but accuracy is insufficient due to lack of measured information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem status estimationVSAvoidload information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional state estimation methods that rely on pseudo-measurement values with a new approach based on automated topology detection and serialization/deserialization of actual network information. This substitution enables the system to work accurately with the limited measured information available in distribution grids without requiring additional measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4462640A1Computer-implemented method, arrangement and computer program product for analysing network information of an electrical energy supply network with serilisation/de-serilisation
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4462640A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4462640A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4462640A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for analyzing network information of an electrical power supply network (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), comprising the steps of: receiving serialized network information in a first application-specific data format by means of a communication device (12), wherein the serialized network information includes information about system components; deserializing the serialized network information by means of a deserialization device (19); assigning component types based on the information about system components by means of a first assignment device; assigning component properties based on the information about system components by means of a second assignment device (21); and providing a network topology (23, 58) which includes, as a graph, the types and properties of the system components.in a second application-specific data format by means of a topology output device (22). Furthermore, the invention includes a corresponding arrangement and a corresponding computer program product.