Microgrid Switching Control for Safe Prosumer Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional microgrid control systems face issues such as prolonged isolated operation of prosumers, safety risks during maintenance, and challenges in safely disconnecting distributed power sources due to line faults or maintenance, posing risks to personnel and complicating reconnection to the grid.

Innovation Solution

A control system for microgrids featuring main and branch switching devices with input and output ports, enabling hot standby or disconnected states to automatically halt active output of prosumers and source devices during faults or maintenance, using solid state circuit breakers for enhanced response and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional distribution networks are used to connect distributed power sources, then the grid can handle large numbers of diverse prosumers, but safety risks arise during maintenance and prolonged isolated operation of prosumers occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to connect diverse distributed power sourcesVSAvoidsafety during maintenance and operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the microgrid into multiple circuit groups, each with independent main and branch switching devices. This allows individual circuit groups to be isolated for maintenance while others continue operating, and enables controlled disconnection of specific prosumers or source devices without affecting the entire grid. The segmentation provides granular control over power flow and safety isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If prosumers are isolated for maintenance or fault handling, then safety can be improved, but prolonged isolated operation occurs and reconnection becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during maintenanceVSAvoidduration of isolated operation and reconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switching devices include hot standby functions that allow pre-positioning of switches in a ready-to-act state. Before maintenance or fault conditions occur, the system can pre-configure the switching states, so that when isolation is needed, the switching devices can immediately execute the disconnection without delay. This preliminary configuration reduces the time prosumers remain isolated and simplifies reconnection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrified switchgear is used at lower levels for prosumer control, then bidirectional transformation capability is enabled, but safety risks are posed to maintenance personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional transformation capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks to maintenance personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces main switching devices as intermediary components between the electrified switchgear and maintenance personnel. These main switching devices can be remotely operated and provide an additional layer of isolation, allowing maintenance personnel to work on lower-level electrified switchgear without direct exposure to high voltage. The intermediary switching devices enable safe disconnection and isolation of specific circuit groups during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If rapid disconnection of prosumers and source devices is implemented, then safety during faults is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during line faultsVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels with main control modules managing circuit groups and branch control modules managing individual prosumers and source devices. This segmentation allows rapid disconnection to be achieved through localized branch switching operations without requiring complex centralized control for every disconnection event. The modular structure simplifies the control logic while enabling fast response to faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250219425A1Control system for microgrid and microgrid
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (CHINA) CO LTD
  • US20250219425A1 patent drawing
  • US20250219425A1 patent drawing
  • US20250219425A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control system for a microgrid and a microgrid. The control system comprises: at least one main switching device arranged in at least one circuit group and coupled to a main bus, respectively, the main switching device comprising a main output port and a main input port; at least one branch switching device arranged in the circuit group and comprising: a branch input port coupled to the main output port of corresponding main switching device to receive a main signal from the corresponding main switching device; and a branch output port coupled to the prosumer or the source device of the circuit group to allow the at least one branch switching device to control an active output state of the prosumer or the source device. In this manner, the control system can easily facilitate maintenance and improve the safety and reliability of the circuit.