Hierarchical Power Converter Control for Grid Cyber Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power grid faces challenges due to its vastness, making it vulnerable to cyclical demand and cyber-attacks, and the integration of discrete renewable power sources and energy storage does not provide a consistent and reliable source or distribution of energy.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous reconfigurable system with a hierarchical architecture that integrates centralized low-voltage direct power sources like energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic sources into high-voltage or medium-voltage direct current power stations, using modular converters and silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors to provide real-time dynamic responses and mitigate cyber threats through artificial intelligence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete renewable power sources and energy storage are integrated into the power grid, then renewable energy generation is enabled, but consistency and reliability of energy supply deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power grid into hierarchical control levels (local control units at individual renewable sources, regional control centers, and central grid control). This segmentation allows each segment to independently manage its own variability while contributing to overall grid stability, resolving the contradiction between integrating diverse renewable sources and maintaining supply consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control strategies that continuously adjust operating parameters of renewable power sources and energy storage systems based on real-time grid conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain reliable energy supply despite the inherent variability of renewable sources by actively balancing supply and demand across the hierarchical structure.
2Productivity
If the power grid operates at vast scale to meet demand, then energy distribution capacity is improved, but vulnerability to cyber-attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical control architecture segments the vast power grid into multiple isolated control layers. Each layer operates semi-independently with defined communication protocols, which limits the propagation of cyber-attacks. Local control units can continue functioning even if higher-level control is compromised, maintaining energy distribution capacity while reducing overall system vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control layers and standardized communication interfaces between different grid segments. These intermediaries act as buffers that filter and validate data exchanges, preventing direct access to critical control systems and reducing cyber-attack surface while enabling coordinated operation across the vast grid infrastructure.
3Reliability
If hierarchical control architecture is implemented to improve reliability, then system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical control architecture divides the complex control function into manageable segments at different levels. Each control unit at any level manages a specific scope with well-defined responsibilities, which simplifies individual unit design while achieving overall system reliability through their coordinated operation. This segmentation makes the complex system more tractable and easier to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal control modules and standardized communication protocols that can be deployed across all levels of the hierarchical architecture. These multi-functional components handle various control tasks and communication requirements, reducing overall system complexity by avoiding custom-designed solutions for each control level while maintaining high reliability through consistent implementation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system increases the reliability of the power grid, reduces power outages, and ensures a constant supply by monitoring aggregate power flow and mitigating cyber intrusions, while also enabling efficient integration of renewable resources and dynamic voltage support, thereby enhancing operational stability and reducing the likelihood of brownouts.
Implementation Method 1
using modular converters and silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors to provide real-time dynamic responses
Implementation Method 2
integrates centralized low-voltage direct power sources like energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic sources
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous reconfigurable system has arms terminating at inductors. The inductors are connected to a photovoltaic submodule, an energy storage system submodule, and a submodule that source a direct current voltage and an alternating current voltage. A central processor controller determines arm modulation indices and issues reference power commands for the submodules and detects cyber-attacks and/or bad data threats. A field programmable gate array disaggregates monitored variables monitored from each arm. Multiple digital signal processor controllers communicate with each of the each of the submodules.