Multimodal Utility Network Control via Hybrid Node Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity and interdependencies in urban utility networks lead to increased risks of cascading failures and energy losses, necessitating a method to optimize utility distribution across interconnected networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically optimize the operation of a multimodal utility network by rerouting energy flows along calculated optimal paths using utility conversion capabilities, responding to changes in network topology, and utilizing hybrid nodes to convert utilities between different networks, thereby minimizing losses and maintaining network stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If utility networks are interconnected to share energy and improve distribution efficiency, then energy distribution efficiency is improved, but the risk of cascading failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the utility network into multiple independent utility networks (electrical grid, gas network, heating network) that can operate autonomously. When a failure occurs in one network, the segmentation prevents cascading failures to other networks while still allowing coordinated energy distribution through controlled interconnections at hybrid nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Hybrid nodes act as intermediaries between different utility networks, enabling energy conversion and transfer. These intermediary elements facilitate efficient energy distribution across networks while providing isolation boundaries that prevent failure propagation, thus resolving the contradiction between distribution efficiency and reliability.
2Device complexity
If conventional utility network operation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy losses during transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by converting energy between different forms (electrical, thermal, chemical) at hybrid nodes. This parameter transformation enables energy to be routed through optimal paths, reducing transmission losses while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Hybrid nodes provide multi-functionality by enabling energy conversion between multiple utility types and serving as routing points. This universality allows the system to reduce energy losses through flexible routing without requiring completely separate specialized infrastructure for each utility type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If utility conversion capabilities are utilized at hybrid nodes, then routing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic routing where energy paths are automatically adjusted based on real-time network conditions, failures, or optimization criteria. The hybrid nodes dynamically switch between different utility conversion modes, providing routing flexibility while the automated control system manages the complexity of coordinating these dynamic changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for distributing different utilities in a multimodal utility network (1) comprising several interconnected utility networks (2-i), wherein each utility network has network nodes (E1...H9) connected to each other through utility supply lines transporting the respective utility, wherein if a change in at least one of the utility networks affecting a topology of said multimodal utility network takes place, an operation of said multimodal utility network is automatically optimized according to at least one predetermined cost function of said multimodal utility network for the resulting changed topology utilizing available utility conversion capabilities of utility network nodes.