Hierarchical Grid Control Data Access for Bandwidth-Limited Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical distribution systems face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to their flat control topography, which struggles with the increasing data volume and variability from smart meters, distributed power generation, and communication network fluctuations, leading to slower dynamic adjustments and potential grid control impairments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level electrical distribution control system is introduced, featuring a hierarchical structure with distribution network node controllers (DNNCs) that facilitate data access, processing, and secure data transmission, enabling efficient data aggregation, compression, and dynamic reconfiguration of the grid to improve response speed, efficiency, and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat control topography is used to transmit data from smart meters to the distribution control center, then data transmission is simple in structure, but bandwidth requirements increase and the system becomes sensitive to communication network fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flat control topography into multiple hierarchical levels: distribution control centers (DCCs) at the top level, distribution automation systems (DAS) at intermediate levels, and smart meters at the bottom level. This segmentation reduces the data burden on any single communication channel by processing and filtering data locally at each level before transmission to higher levels, thereby reducing overall bandwidth requirements while maintaining system simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If data from millions of smart meters is transmitted directly to a single distribution control center, then centralized control is achieved, but data consumption becomes computationally intensive and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distribution automation systems (DAS) as intermediary components between smart meters and distribution control centers. These DAS units perform local data processing, filtering, and preliminary analysis, acting as mediators that reduce the computational burden on centralized DCCs. This allows centralized control to be maintained while significantly improving data processing speed and reducing response time.
3Measurement precision
If additional smart devices are deployed to generate consumable data for grid control, then grid control accuracy is improved, but the dependency on communication network bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary data processing and filtering at the source (smart meters and smart devices) and at intermediate levels (DAS) before data reaches the DCC. This preliminary action includes local analysis, aggregation, and filtering of raw data, which maintains high measurement precision for grid control while significantly reducing the volume of data that requires communication network transmission, thereby reducing bandwidth dependency.
4Ease of manufacture
If a flat control topography is used, then infrastructure alteration costs are minimized, but the system becomes vulnerable to communication network faults and data transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local processing capabilities at multiple levels of the hierarchy (smart meters, DAS, and DCCs), where each level performs data filtering, aggregation, and preliminary analysis locally. This local quality approach ensures that even if communication links fail, each level can continue to function with locally available data, significantly improving system reliability without requiring major infrastructure changes or increasing costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of a multi-level electrical distribution control system associated with an electrical distribution grid are disclosed. Data access and processing across the multi-level control system and the electrical distribution grid can provide improved utilization of energy within the electrical distribution grid. Further, dynamic reconfiguration of the electric distribution grid can be based distributed processing and access to information relating to the electrical distribution control system or electrical distribution grid. An encapsulated DNNC data element is disclosed as an efficient and secure means of accessing data across the multi-level electrical distribution control system or the associated electrical distribution grid.