Microgrid Control System for Autonomous Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-sufficient energy supply networks, or microgrids, face challenges in optimizing operations due to high parameterization and configuration efforts, requiring technically trained personnel and costly automation solutions, especially in remote areas where communication with control centers is unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method where a computing device, potentially a cloud computer system, generates an operating plan for a microgrid, specifying electrical power at a grid connection point and controlling energy producers and consumers, with local control devices determining power balances and reserves to adjust energy generation and consumption, reducing the need for on-site complex devices and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If classic control systems with mathematical modeling functions are used to optimize microgrid operation, then the operational efficiency and cost-optimization improve, but the parameterization effort, system complexity, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two distinct parts: a simple local control device for real-time microgrid operation and a separate optimization system that can be configured offline. This segmentation allows the complex mathematical modeling and optimization functions to be separated from the real-time control functions, reducing the complexity burden on the local control device while maintaining operational efficiency through the optimization component.
2Ease of operation
If technically trained personnel are deployed for parameterization and commissioning of control systems, then the system configuration and optimization improve, but the operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated configuration tools and pre-defined optimization models that allow non-expert users to set up and operate the microgrid control system. The system provides user-friendly interfaces and automated parameterization capabilities that eliminate the need for technically trained personnel to perform complex configuration tasks, while still achieving optimal operational results.
3Ease of operation
If constant communication between microgrids and control centers is maintained for optimization, then the operational control and monitoring improve, but the system reliability deteriorates in remote areas with unreliable communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring optimization models and control parameters offline before deploying the microgrid to remote locations. The system stores these pre-computed optimization strategies locally in the control device, enabling autonomous operation without requiring constant communication with control centers. This ensures continuous operational control even in areas with unreliable communication infrastructure.
4Productivity
If high-capacity computing devices are deployed locally in microgrids, then the real-time control and optimization improve, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive mathematical modeling and optimization functions from the local control device and relocates them to a separate optimization system that can be operated offline or in the cloud. The local control device retains only the essential real-time control functions with minimal computational requirements, while the extracted optimization functions are executed separately and their results transmitted to the local device for implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a self-sufficient energy supply network (11) comprising a number of energy producers (15) and a number of energy consumers (16), wherein a local control device (18) is provided which is configured to control the energy producers (15) and/or the energy consumers (16).To reduce the parameterization effort required for the operation of an autonomous energy supply network, it is proposed that the following steps be performed in the procedure: providing model data of the autonomous energy supply network (11) in a data storage of a computing unit (20) superior to the local control unit (18), wherein the model data specifies the respective energy generators (15) and their operating parameters; determining an operating plan for the autonomous energy supply network (11) with the computing unit (20) using the model data, wherein the operating plan specifies the operating state of the autonomous energy supply network (11) during a specific time interval; transmitting the operating plan to the local control unit (18); and controlling the energy generators (15) and/or the energy consumers (16) according to the specifications of the operating plan by the local control unit (18).The invention also relates to a corresponding system for operating a self-sufficient energy supply network.