Multi-Level Electrical Network Control With Fewer Communication Iterations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electrical networks with multiple sub-networks require numerous iterations and are sensitive to communication issues, leading to suboptimal solutions and potential disruptions due to latency and connectivity problems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level control method that separates internal and external variable optimizations into sequential steps, allowing for independent calculation of flexibility margins and optimal trajectories, using piecewise linear approximations to manage deviations and distribute overall control strategies effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ADMM method is used for distributed optimization, then calculation is distributed between peripheral and central actors, but the method requires many iterations and is very sensitive to communication network quality and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control problem into two distinct parts: (1) local optimization of internal variables at each peripheral agent, and (2) centralized optimization of external variables at the central agent. This segmentation eliminates the need for iterative coordination between levels, as each level solves its optimization problem independently based on its own objective function and constraints, thereby resolving the contradiction between distributed control and communication reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterations are performed for optimal control, then solution feasibility and optimality are improved, but communication exchanges increase and latency problems disrupt the process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optimization into independent local and central parts, each solving their respective problems in a single computational pass without requiring iterative exchanges, the patent achieves optimal control solutions while eliminating time losses associated with multiple communication iterations.
3Productivity
If centralized coordination is implemented for overall network control, then network-wide objectives are optimized, but communication dependencies increase and connectivity problems cause disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces communication infrastructure complexity by segmenting control functions: peripheral agents handle local optimization independently using their own objective functions and constraints, while the central agent handles external variable optimization. This eliminates the need for complex iterative communication protocols and makes the system robust against connectivity issues while maintaining network-wide efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a network aggregating sub-networks, with peripheral agents and a central agent, a peripheral agent locally controlling a sub-network, and the central agent overall controlling the network, including the steps of: each peripheral agent performing a local optimization, by distinguishing internal xi and external zi and transmitting: the locales optimal values of the external variables zil*, lower and upper bounds of the external variables zi∨* and zi∧*, and a value of a local cost function on local optimal values of internal variables fxi(xil*), lower and upper bounds of the internal variables fxi(xi∨*) and fxi(xi∧*); the central agent performing an overall optimization over all the external variables zi by distributing the contribution of each sub-network by taking into account, for each sub-network, of a deviation from the local cost function evaluated from information transmitted by the corresponding peripheral agent and transmitting the overall optimal values of the external variables zig*.