Multi-layered Control Architecture for Dynamic Power Grid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power grid faces challenges in dynamically managing power production and consumption due to its antiquated design, lack of distributed intelligence, and inability to handle peak demands efficiently, leading to issues like brown-outs and the need for additional infrastructure, which can take years to implement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered control architecture is integrated into the power grid, comprising an enterprise control module, regional control modules, and local control modules, which interface with various power sources and storage devices to dynamically manage power production, distribution, and consumption, enabling real-time adjustments and transactions between different entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized unidirectional electric power transmission system is used, then power can be transmitted from generation plants to consumers, but the system lacks adaptability to dynamic demand changes and cannot efficiently manage peak demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power transmission system into multiple distributed microgrids, each capable of independent operation and local power management. This segmentation enables each microgrid to adapt to local demand changes dynamically while maintaining overall system flexibility through selective interconnection of microgrids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow the power transmission architecture to change its topology in real-time based on demand patterns, generation availability, and operational conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient peak demand management through automated load balancing and resource allocation across the distributed network.
2Reliability
If additional infrastructure is built to handle peak demands, then power supply capacity increases, but implementation takes years and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements demand response systems that enable consumers to automatically adjust their power consumption patterns in response to grid conditions and pricing signals. This self-service approach to demand management allows the system to handle peak demands through automated load shifting and optimization without requiring physical infrastructure expansion, achieving reliability improvements in software rather than hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes real-time parameter optimization and control to maximize the utilization of existing infrastructure capacity. By dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as voltage levels, power flow paths, and load distribution, the system can handle peak demands that would traditionally require infrastructure expansion, achieving capacity increases through intelligent control rather than physical expansion.
3Productivity
If manual control methods are used, then system operation is simple, but productivity and response speed to demand changes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption across the distributed microgrid network. This real-time feedback enables automated control systems to dynamically optimize power flow, balance loads, and respond to demand changes with high productivity, replacing manual control while maintaining system simplicity through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intelligent software intermediaries and control layers that mediate between physical power infrastructure and operational decisions. These software intermediaries automate complex power management tasks including load balancing, demand response coordination, and resource allocation, significantly improving productivity while presenting simplified interfaces to users and maintaining operational transparency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distributed control modules are integrated, then adaptability and response speed improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal control modules and standardized communication protocols that enable distributed control components to perform multiple functions across different microgrids and operational scenarios. This multi-functionality approach allows the same control architecture to handle diverse tasks including local load management, inter-microgrid power exchange, demand response coordination, and fault isolation, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity through standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for dynamically managing and controlling distributed energy resources in a transmission/distribution power grid is disclosed. A plurality of regions within a transmission/distribution power grid is autonomously managed using regional control modules. Each regional control module oversees the management and control of the transmission/distribution power grid and is further associated with a plurality of local control modules that interface with distributed energy resources within a region. Power production and power consumption are monitored and analyzed by the enterprise control module which, upon determining that power consumption within a region does not match power producing capability, dynamically reallocates distributed energy resources throughout the grid keeping the system balance. Power flow at key nodes within the network are monitored and analyzed by the local control modules, regional control modules, and enterprise control modules with compensating actions taken in the event that system parameter risks violating safety, stability, or operational thresholds.