IoT Microgrid Power Quality Control Using MQTT Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing power quality in microgrids is challenging due to the integration of distributed energy resources exceeding carrying capacity, leading to quality of service problems and operational limit violations, and existing systems struggle to effectively control power generation and consumption devices with varying operation parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a main supply network with control devices connected via MQTT protocol, a management unit, and a cloud platform based on Fiware Open Source technology, which assesses operation data, generates instructions, and performs actuations to maintain power quality by modulating power consumption, reducing harmonic distortion, and controlling energy generation and consumption across distributed energy resources and appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed energy resources are integrated into the microgrid to increase energy generation and consumption options, then the versatility and energy supply capability are improved, but the power quality deteriorates due to exceeding carrying capacity and violating operational limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operation data from distributed energy resources and apparatuses, comparing measured power quality parameters against allowed ranges. When violations are detected, the management unit sends corrective instructions back to control devices to adjust operation parameters, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains power quality while allowing high penetration of distributed resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operation parameters of distributed energy resources and apparatuses in real-time based on current grid conditions. Control devices modify power consumption, harmonic distortion levels, and emission characteristics adaptively to maintain power quality within allowed ranges while maximizing the utilization of distributed energy resources
2Ease of operation
If control devices are equipped with advanced intelligence and communication capabilities to enable complex power quality management, then the ease of operation and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed control devices at each apparatus and a centralized management unit. Each control device handles local monitoring and basic control functions, while the management unit coordinates overall power quality management. This segmentation allows advanced functionality to be distributed, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining system-wide intelligence
Solution Approach 2:
Control devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving as interfaces between apparatuses and the management unit while performing local monitoring, data transmission via MQTT protocol, and executing control instructions. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into single devices, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
3Reliability
If the control system continuously monitors and adjusts operation parameters of all apparatuses to maintain power quality within allowed ranges, then the power quality reliability is improved, but the loss of energy and computational resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective monitoring and control, focusing computational resources on apparatuses and parameters that have the greatest impact on power quality. Rather than continuously adjusting all parameters of all apparatuses, the management unit identifies critical control points and applies control actions selectively, reducing energy consumption while maintaining compliance with allowed ranges
Solution Approach 2:
Control devices are equipped with local intelligence to autonomously adjust operation parameters within predefined ranges without requiring constant management unit intervention. This self-service capability allows rapid local responses to power quality deviations, reducing the computational burden and energy consumption of continuous centralized monitoring and control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention provides a system for managing the power quality of a microgrid. The system comprises a main supply network (3), a plurality of control devices (4) and a management unit (7). Each control device (4) is associated to one of the apparatuses (1, 2), and is configured to receive operation data from its associated apparatus (1, 2) and configured to send these operation data via a MQTT protocol. The management unit (7) is configured to receive the processed data from the control devices, the control unit comprising processing means configured to assess received processed data and to prepare instructions to the control devices. The management unit (7) is configured to send instructions to the control devices and each control device has actuators to actuate on its associated apparatus.