Multi-Tiered Mesh Network for Power Distribution Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-based point-to-point communication systems in power distribution networks are costly, cumbersome to install and maintain, and lack flexibility in creating alternate communication paths, leading to inefficiencies and potential service disruptions during faults.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable multi-tiered mesh network with adaptive link routing and smart antenna technology, allowing for efficient management of routine and emergency communication traffic, and providing self-healing capabilities to maintain high-speed, reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio-based dedicated point-to-point links are used for communication, then high speed and high reliability communication is achieved, but the cost becomes prohibitive and installation and maintenance become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple point-to-point communication links into a shared mesh network infrastructure. Instead of dedicating separate radio links between each pair of devices, multiple devices share common communication channels and infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining communication reliability through redundant paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network infrastructure is designed to serve multiple communication purposes simultaneously. The same network channels and radio infrastructure support various communication tasks including fault protection, circuit reconfiguration, and system monitoring, eliminating the need for separate dedicated links for each function.
2Reliability
If dedicated point-to-point links are deployed throughout the distribution system, then comprehensive coordination of protective devices is achieved, but the number of links required becomes large and cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective devices are connected through shared mesh network paths rather than requiring individual dedicated links between each device pair. The mesh topology allows any device to communicate with any other device through intermediate nodes, reducing the total number of physical links required from O(n²) to approximately O(n).
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate mesh network nodes act as mediators that relay communication between protective devices. Instead of direct point-to-point links between all devices, communication is routed through intermediary nodes in the mesh network, reducing the number of direct links needed while maintaining comprehensive coordination capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If radio-based communication systems are used, then ease and low cost of installation is achieved, but the systems lack flexibility in creating alternate communication paths
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network implements dynamic routing capabilities where communication paths can be automatically reconfigured in response to link failures or changing conditions. Routes are not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted to create alternate paths, providing flexibility while maintaining the ease of radio-based installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as routing paths, frequency channels, and power levels dynamically based on network conditions. This allows the radio-based system to adapt and create alternate communication paths by modifying operational parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
4Loss of time
If point-to-point communication links are used, then low latency message delivery is achieved, but the inability to exchange other communication traffic becomes a limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The communication traffic is segmented into different priority levels and types. Critical protection messages receive highest priority with guaranteed low latency delivery, while other communication traffic is handled through the same mesh infrastructure at lower priorities. This segmentation allows multiple traffic types to coexist without compromising the latency requirements of protection messages.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system may incorporate a network communication capability. The network communication capability may be configured or may be configurable as a multi-tiered, mesh network. The network may have two tiers of fixed node meshes (tier 2 and tier 3) and one tier of mobile nodes mesh (tier 1). Each tier and each node of each tier has distinct characteristics relative to application, type of routing, transmit power control, physical configuration and message priorities. The configuration and the characteristics of the network change based upon varying application and communication needs of the network.