Micro-Grid Manager for Electrical Distribution Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical power distribution grids face challenges in efficiently managing decentralized energy resources and ensuring reliable power delivery, especially during disruptions such as maintenance, weather events, or natural disasters, as they lack the ability to dynamically isolate and configure micro-grids to balance energy supply and demand.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring and managing micro-grids within an electrical distribution grid using a computer infrastructure that determines suitable premises with energy resources, electrically isolates them from the main grid, and dynamically controls power flow based on real-time condition information, using protocols like SIP and MQTT to communicate with devices and adjust energy generation and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical distribution grid operates as a centralized system, then power delivery is simple to manage, but reliability deteriorates during disruptions as the entire grid fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical distribution grid into multiple isolated micro-grids that can operate independently. Each micro-grid contains local energy resources and loads, allowing segmentation of the overall system. This segmentation enables individual micro-grids to maintain power delivery during disruptions affecting other portions of the grid, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete grid-wide reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the grid topology can change based on operating conditions. Switching elements enable micro-grids to be formed, dissolved, or reconnected in real-time响应 to disruptions, maintenance needs, or energy availability. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to transition between centralized and decentralized configurations, improving reliability during disruptions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If micro-grids are electrically isolated from the main grid, then local energy autonomy is improved, but control and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables micro-grids to operate autonomously by utilizing local energy resources within each micro-grid to satisfy local energy demands. Each micro-grid can independently balance its own energy supply and demand through local control mechanisms, reducing the need for centralized control and minimizing control system complexity while maximizing local energy autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements monitoring and control systems that continuously track energy generation, consumption, and grid conditions within each micro-grid. This feedback mechanism enables automated adjustment of local resources and switching elements to maintain optimal operation, simplifying the overall control complexity through decentralized intelligent control rather than requiring complex centralized management of all micro-grids.
3Loss of time
If the grid topology is dynamically reconfigured to form micro-grids, then service restoration speed is improved during disruptions, but switching and protection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures switching elements and identifies potential micro-grid formations before disruptions occur. When a disruption is detected, the system can rapidly reconfigure the grid by activating pre-planned switching sequences to isolate and form operational micro-grids, significantly reducing service restoration time. This preliminary preparation minimizes the complexity of real-time decision-making during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses switching elements to segment the grid into isolated micro-grids during disruptions. This segmentation allows unaffected portions of the grid to continue operating independently, effectively restoring service to those areas without waiting for complete grid-wide repairs. The switching and protection systems manage this segmentation through standardized procedures, controlling complexity while enabling rapid service restoration.
4Productivity
If local energy resources are maximized in micro-grids, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but system complexity for resource integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tailors each micro-grid's composition to its specific local conditions, incorporating energy resources and loads appropriate to that location. Each micro-grid is configured with the specific mix of generation resources, storage, and consumption patterns needed to achieve self-sufficiency for that particular area, rather than applying a uniform configuration across all micro-grids. This localized optimization improves energy self-sufficiency while managing integration complexity through context-appropriate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs micro-grids with multi-functional components that can serve multiple purposes. Energy resources can switch between supplying local loads and providing support to the broader grid when connected. Storage systems can provide both local energy shifting and grid stabilization services. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of each resource, improving overall energy self-sufficiency while reducing the total number of specialized components needed, thereby controlling system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling electrical distribution grids. The method includes determining premises in an electrical distribution grid that include an energy resource. The method further includes determining a configuration of the electrical distribution grid including a micro-grid, the micro-grid including the one or more premises. The method further includes electrically isolating, monitoring and controlling the micro-grid from the electrical distribution grid through the use of a micro-grid manager.