Multi-interval Dispatch for Power Grid Control Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric power grid faces inefficiencies and instability due to peak power costs, grid unreliability, limited energy storage, and the intermittency of clean energy sources like wind and solar, leading to system inefficiency, power failures, and a reliance on carbon-intensive electricity. Current dispatch methods are cost-based, passive, and lack flexibility to manage distributed resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-interval dispatch system with a multi-stage resource scheduling engine and comprehensive operating plan that coordinates multiple system parameter scenarios, enabling real-time management of load, generation, and transmission security constraints, and using optimization engines to forecast system conditions and adjust generation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If classical cost-based dispatch with centralized generation is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but system efficiency and reliability deteriorate due to inability to manage distributed resources and intermittent energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispatch time horizon into multiple intervals (e.g., day-ahead, real-time, contingency) with different optimization objectives and constraint sets. Each interval handles specific resource commitments and dispatch decisions, allowing the system to manage complexity through temporal decomposition while improving overall system efficiency through coordinated multi-interval optimization.
2Reliability
If manual re-dispatch is performed to relieve grid security violations, then grid security is maintained, but response time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary security constraint analysis and contingency assessment in the day-ahead interval, identifying potential security violations before they occur. The system pre-calculates corrective actions and commits resources in advance to prevent violations, eliminating the need for time-critical manual re-dispatch while maintaining grid security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc forward scheduling disconnected from real-time dispatch is used, then scheduling flexibility is maintained, but coordination and system optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges forward scheduling and real-time dispatch into a unified multi-interval optimization framework. The day-ahead interval establishes scheduled commitments, while real-time interval coordinates actual dispatch actions, ensuring both scheduling flexibility and system-wide optimization through continuous coordination between intervals.
4Speed
If generation is committed in real-time without look-ahead, then responsiveness to immediate demand is improved, but uneconomical dispatch actions and system inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary unit commitment and resource scheduling in the day-ahead interval based on forecasted demand and resource availability. This look-ahead planning identifies economical dispatch patterns and commits resources in advance, enabling real-time dispatch to execute pre-planned actions quickly without sacrificing economic efficiency.
5Speed
If pre-ramping units is performed without coordinated scheduling, then fast load pickup capability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency and system coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-ramping decisions with multi-interval scheduling optimization. The system coordinates pre-ramping actions across day-ahead and real-time intervals, ensuring units are ramped efficiently only when needed for fast load pickup while maintaining optimal resource utilization through system-wide coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that enables dispatchers in power grid control centers to manage changes by applying multi-interval dispatch. A multi-stage resource scheduling engine and a comprehensive operating plan are used. Multiple system parameter scenarios are coordinated.