Microgrid Load Prioritization for Dynamic Power Limit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microgrid controllers fail to dynamically manage loads based on changing power availability and load connections/disconnections, leading to inefficiencies in accommodating all loads within the available power limit.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid controller executes a load shed/load add (LSLA) and curtailable load algorithm to dynamically assign priority levels to loads, allowing for efficient management of essential and non-essential loads, and curtailable loads based on a tiered priority scheme, ensuring the microgrid operates within its power limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prioritized load order is established to shed loads, then power consumption can be controlled within the available power limit, but the system cannot dynamically adapt when loads are connected or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by continuously monitoring load connections and disconnections, and automatically adjusting the load shedding strategy. The controller detects when loads are connected or disconnected and dynamically reassigns priority levels and shedding sequences, transforming a static prioritized load order into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to real-time changes in the microgrid.
2Quantity of substance
If all loads are accommodated simultaneously, then complete service coverage is achieved, but the available power limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments loads into different priority tiers (critical, important, non-critical) and implements hierarchical load management. By dividing the load portfolio into segments with different priority levels, the system can serve more loads overall by selectively shedding lower-priority loads when power is limited, while ensuring critical loads are always served. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate a greater total number of loads without exceeding the power limit.
3Power
If load shedding is implemented to maintain power balance, then power limit compliance is achieved, but service continuity for critical loads cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the status of critical loads and the overall power balance. When load shedding is required, the system provides feedback to ensure that critical loads are protected from shedding. The controller receives feedback about load conditions and power availability, and automatically adjusts shedding decisions to maintain service continuity for critical loads while achieving power balance. This feedback loop ensures that power limit compliance does not compromise the reliability of essential services.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented by a microgrid controller includes dynamically assigning a priority level in a tiered priority scheme to each load of a plurality of loads based on load information; monitoring an available power limit of a microgrid; comparing a load demand of the plurality of loads with the available power limit to generate a comparison result; and dynamically adding and shedding connections of the plurality of loads to a power distribution network of the microgrid based on the priority level of each load and based on the comparison result, including generating one or more first control signals to connect a first group of loads having highest rankings in priority level to the power distribution network of the microgrid, and generating one or more second control signals to disconnect a second group of loads having lowest rankings in priority level from the power distribution network of the microgrid.