Topology detection in an electric power distribution grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
State estimation in electric power distribution grids is challenging due to unbalanced conditions and the lack of direct monitoring of switching devices, leading to inaccuracies in determining circuit topology using common zero-current thresholds across phasor measurement units (PMUs).
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining individualized zero-current threshold values for each PMU based on phasor data, allowing for accurate identification of zero-current branches and circuit topology without direct measurement of switch statuses, using both field and synthetic data to generate customized threshold values for each PMU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If common zero-current thresholds are used across all PMUs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unbalanced grid conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining individualized zero-current threshold values for each PMU based on their specific measurement characteristics and grid conditions. Instead of using a uniform threshold across all PMUs, the system calculates customized thresholds that account for local unbalanced conditions, measurement noise levels, and operational characteristics of each measurement unit, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the zero-current threshold parameter for each PMU based on changing grid conditions. By monitoring phasor data and determining when branches transition between active and inactive states, the system adapts threshold values to reflect current operational conditions, maintaining high measurement precision as grid conditions vary over time
2Measurement precision
If individualized zero-current thresholds are determined for each PMU, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by analyzing phasor data to identify zero-current branches before finalizing topology determination. By pre-processing the phasor measurements and applying threshold comparisons in advance, the system prepares refined data that simplifies subsequent topology analysis, reducing the computational burden of the overall process while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the topology detection process into distinct steps: identifying zero-current branches using individualized thresholds, then using those identified branches to determine the overall circuit topology. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, with the threshold application focused on accurate branch identification and the subsequent topology determination focused on reconstructing the circuit structure from the identified branches
3Reliability
If direct monitoring of switching devices is implemented, then reliability of switch status information is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using PMUs and phasor data as intermediaries to infer switching device states. Instead of directly monitoring switches, the system measures electrical quantities (currents and voltages) at accessible locations and uses these measurements to determine the states of unmonitored switching devices. This intermediary method provides reliable switch status information while avoiding the complexity of direct switch monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical/electrical monitoring of switching devices with a computational approach using phasor measurement data. By substituting physical monitoring infrastructure with data processing and analysis algorithms, the system achieves reliable switch status detection without requiring additional monitoring hardware or direct access to switching devices
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are provided for circuit topology detection in an electric power circuit. In some embodiments, a computing device can access phasor data associated with the electric power circuit including an arrangement of switching devices and multiple phasor measurement units. The computing device also can access threshold data defining individualized zero-current threshold values for respective ones of the multiple phasor measurement units. The computing device can determine one or more zero-current branches present in the arrangement of switching devices by applying the individualized zero-current thresholds to the accessed phasor data. The computing device can further determine, based on the one or more zero-current branches a circuit topology corresponding to the arrangement of switching devices.