Hierarchical Power Control System for Microgrid Inter-area Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) are limited in managing power across adjacent microgrid areas, leading to power shortages in one area while others may have surplus power, lacking an efficient mechanism for inter-area power management.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical power control system connected to a cloud server, comprising microgrid cells with energy storage systems, sensors, and an integrated control system that communicates through middleware and converters to manage and interchange power between cells, ensuring efficient power distribution and prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ESS manages power only in directly managed areas (unit of microgrid), then local power state control is achieved, but adjacent areas experiencing power shortages cannot be helped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent ESS systems into a hierarchical network structure where local ESS units are combined with an integrated control system. This allows each ESS to maintain local management capabilities while the network enables inter-area power sharing, resolving the contradiction between local reliability and inter-area adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system provides multi-functional capabilities by enabling both local power management and regional power optimization. The system can independently manage each microgrid while simultaneously coordinating power distribution across multiple areas, making the system universally applicable to both local and regional power needs
2Ease of operation
If multiple microgrid cells operate independently, then local autonomy is maintained, but power interchange and optimization between cells is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power network into independent microgrid cells that can operate autonomously when needed, while the hierarchical control structure enables coordinated operation for optimized power distribution. This segmentation allows local autonomy to be maintained while enabling efficient inter-cell power interchange through the integrated control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control dimension that operates above the individual microgrid cell level. This additional control layer enables power optimization across multiple cells without interfering with local operational autonomy, effectively adding a new dimension of control that resolves the contradiction between independence and efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical control structure is implemented, then integral power management across multiple cells is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical control system is segmented into distinct functional layers: local ESS control units and an integrated control system. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions independently, managing complexity by dividing the overall control task while maintaining integral power management capability across the network
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hierarchical type power control system. The hierarchical type power control system connected to a cloud server includes: a first microgrid cell including a first energy storage system (ESS) having an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) structure and a first load that a power state thereof is managed by the first ESS; a second microgrid cell including a second load and a second ESS managing a power state of the second load; a third microgrid cell including a third load; a middleware server communicating with the first to third microgrid servers; and an integrated control system communicating the middleware server and integrally controlling power supply states of the first to third microgrid cells, wherein the first microgrid cell and the second microgrid cell are connected to each other through a converter to interchange power therebetween.