Low-Voltage Network Node Assignment via Correlation Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Low-voltage networks face challenges in maintaining grid stability due to decentralized energy generation and increased energy transmission needs, particularly in rural areas where voltage maintenance is a primary issue, and in urban areas where equipment utilization is a concern, with existing solutions struggling with data delays and incorrect network topology information.

Innovation Solution

A method that stores measured values from network nodes in a decentralized manner and uses correlation analysis to estimate missing data and update network topology, allowing for efficient assignment of nodes and monitoring of the network, even in limited bandwidth conditions, by selecting representative nodes and applying correlation coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data transmission is performed using PLC or GPRS channels without dedicated communication infrastructure, then deployment cost is reduced and adaptability is improved, but data reliability deteriorates due to frequent delays and packet loss

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddata reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores correlation coefficients between network nodes before data loss occurs. When measurement data is lost or delayed, these pre-established correlation relationships enable immediate estimation of missing values without requiring retransmission or manual intervention, thus maintaining reliability while using cost-effective communication channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates virtual copies of missing measurement data by using correlation relationships with other network nodes. Instead of requiring actual transmission of every data point, the system generates equivalent data representations through mathematical correlation, reducing communication bandwidth requirements while maintaining data integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual linking of data points and network topology information is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically establishes correlation relationships between network nodes and performs self-assignment of measurement data without manual intervention. The correlation coefficient calculation and node assignment processes are performed autonomously by the control system, eliminating manual linking efforts while maintaining precise measurement data association

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms the approach from manual topology configuration to automated correlation-based assignment. By changing from fixed manual parameters to dynamic correlation coefficients, the system automatically adapts network relationships based on actual measurement patterns, improving both precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complete network topology information is maintained for all network nodes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases when communication failures occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors communication status and automatically switches to correlation-based estimation when data loss is detected. The feedback mechanism detects communication failures and triggers the use of pre-established correlation relationships, ensuring continuous operation with maintained measurement precision even when direct communication is lost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares correlation coefficients and alternative data sources in advance to cushion against potential communication failures. When communication breakdowns occur, these pre-prepared resources immediately compensate for the loss of direct measurement data, preventing information loss and maintaining operational continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3216101B1Method for mutually assigning system nodes in a low-voltage power system
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 SIEMENS AG OESTERR
  • EP3216101B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for mutually assigning system nodes (K1, …, KN) in a low-voltage power system (1) using at least two sequences of test values (M1,…, MN) and is characterized in that - especially asynchronously incoming test values about at least two system nodes (K1, …, KN) are stored in a storage unit (2) in chronological order (3) for each system node (K1, …, KN), - on the basis of a data analysis algorithm, it is continuously verified whether there is at least one statistically significant correlation between sequences of test values (M1, …, MN) , and if it has been determined that there is a correlation, the system nodes (K1, …, KN) associated with the correlating sequences of test values (M1, …, MN) are assigned to each other. This creates the conditions for compensating any missing test values about system nodes with the test values about other system nodes.