Low-Voltage Network Topology Verification Using Load Flow Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the topology of low-voltage networks and improving state estimates are inefficient, especially with the increasing complexity due to decentralized renewable energy generation, electromobility, and the integration of prosumers, which often require costly network expansions.
Innovation Solution
A procedure that involves loading a network model, supplementing it with measured load and generation profiles, performing load flow simulations, and adjusting the topology to achieve predetermined simulation criteria, thereby verifying the network topology and suggesting improvements for state estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grid is expanded by laying additional lines or installing new transformer stations to handle increased load, then the network capacity and reliability are improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing smart meter measurements and automated algorithms to self-determine topology and estimate states without requiring manual intervention or physical grid expansion. The load trimming algorithm automatically adjusts generation and load models to match measurements, enabling the system to serve itself through intelligent computation rather than physical infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from modifying physical parameters (adding lines, transformers) to modifying computational parameters (load models, generation models, topology configurations). By adjusting these software-based parameters, the system achieves better state estimation and capacity utilization without physical expansion.
2Measurement precision
If more measurement points are installed to improve topology determination and state estimation accuracy, then the precision of measurements is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of measurement data through load flow simulations. By simulating what measurements would look like under different topology configurations and comparing them to actual smart meter data, the system achieves accurate topology determination without installing physical sensors at every location. The simulation history serves as a virtual measurement database.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces load flow simulations as an intermediary between existing smart meter measurements and topology determination. Rather than directly measuring everything needed, the system uses simulations to bridge the gap, translating limited measurements into comprehensive topology and state information.
3Ease of operation
If static load trimming methods are used for state estimation, then the computational simplicity is maintained, but the accuracy deteriorates due to inability to capture dynamic topology changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic load trimming by continuously updating the simulation history as new measurements arrive. The topology determination algorithm dynamically adapts to changing grid conditions, switching between different topology configurations based on real-time measurements rather than relying on fixed static models.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback loops where measurement results feed back into the load flow simulations and topology determination algorithms. The system continuously compares simulated measurements with actual smart meter data, uses the discrepancy to refine topology estimates, and updates the model accordingly, creating a self-correcting adaptive system.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method that makes a simple contribution to determining the network topology and can propose measures to improve the quality of low-voltage network state estimation or future topology determinations. This objective is achieved according to the invention by a method for determining the topology of a low-voltage network and for providing measures to improve a state estimation for the low-voltage network, which comprises the following method steps: a) Loading a network model assumed to be known and supplementing the network model with a measured load profile or a load model-based profile estimation and a generation profile or a generation model-based profile estimation for the network interconnection points present in the low-voltage network; b) Performing load flow simulations based on the load and generation profiles or...-models, wherein the load and generation profiles or models are scaled, and wherein this scaling continues until predetermined termination criteria are reached, which are preferably defined by a maximum deviation of the simulation values from existing measurement data at a transformer and/or at selected measurement points, e.g., at feeders; c) using the simulation process to determine the dynamic topology, in particular the interconnection of the network in terms of open or closed load break switches, oralso cable connections at loop-ins, where the smallest adjustments to the loads and generators have been made as part of load trimming achieved with the simulation; d) optionally defining at least one virtual measuring point in the previously determined topology, wherein simulation results for the virtual measuring point are used as estimated measurement data; and e) optionally repeating steps b) and c) for the topology equipped with the virtual measuring point and determining the virtual measuring points as new measuring points when the predetermined termination criteria are reached with the scaling. The invention thus provides a method that can, on the one hand, verify whether the assumed topology, i.e., the assumed interconnection of the network, is correct, and, on the other hand, can propose specific measuring points to improve the quality of the low-voltage network condition assessment.