Local Control Apparatus Protocol Conversion for Power Grid Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power management systems face challenges in effectively managing power flow and reverse power flow in power grids, particularly in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) settings, due to differences in communication protocols between power management servers and local control apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A power management method and system that utilize a first protocol for communication between a power management server and a local control apparatus, and a second protocol for communication with equipment, allowing for the conversion and selection of appropriate information elements to control power flow and reverse power flow, enabling appropriate management of power grids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power management system uses different communication protocols (first protocol for server-local control apparatus communication, second protocol for local control apparatus-equipment communication), then the system can effectively manage power flow and reverse power flow in VPP settings, but the system complexity increases due to protocol conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The local control apparatus serves as an intermediary device that receives control instructions via the first protocol from the power management server, converts them to the second protocol, and transmits them to the equipment. This mediator approach enables protocol compatibility while managing system complexity by centralizing the conversion function in the local control apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication protocol parameters (message formats, data structures, transmission rules) between the first and second protocols to enable compatibility. The local control apparatus transforms control instructions by modifying protocol-specific parameters while preserving the essential control intent and power management functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the system implements protocol conversion between first and second protocols, then communication effectiveness between server and equipment is improved, but information loss or distortion may occur during conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinformation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the local control apparatus confirms successful conversion and transmission of control instructions. Equipment status information is also fed back through the protocol conversion process, allowing the power management server to verify that control instructions were properly transmitted and executed, thereby maintaining information integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the system manages both power flow and reverse power flow control, then power supply and demand balance is achieved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system is segmented into distinct functional components: the power management server handles high-level power flow control decisions, while the local control apparatus handles protocol conversion and equipment-specific control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, managing overall control complexity while maintaining power management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3534490B1Power management method, local control device, and power management system
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3534490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534490B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3534490B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A power management method comprises: a step A of transmitting a first message from a power management server to a local control apparatus according to a first protocol, the power management server managing a facility connected to a power grid, the local control apparatus provided in the facility; a step B of transmitting a second message from the local control apparatus to the equipment according to a second protocol different from the first protocol; and a step C of transmitting a third message from the local control apparatus to the power management server according to the first protocol, the third message including specification information specifying a local control element which the equipment is capable of dealing with according to the second protocol. The specification information includes information specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a local control element indicating an operation state requesting setting for the equipment.