Power Grid Phase Connection Detection Using Voltage Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power grids face challenges in accurately determining phase connections of grid components due to limited and poor-quality data, which hinders advanced grid control solutions and model-based control methods, especially with the increasing complexity from variable renewable resources and electrification of sectors.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses time series of measured voltage data to assess phase connections by determining a majority reference phase connection in clusters, calculating similarity values, and categorizing grid components based on predefined thresholds, with dimensionality reduction and cluster validity indices to improve accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification of phase connections is performed, then accuracy of phase connection determination is improved, but productivity is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field verification (mechanical human operation) with an automated data processing system that uses voltage measurements and clustering algorithms to determine phase connections, thereby eliminating the need for personnel to physically verify connections while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification by using the power grid's own operational data (voltage measurements from smart meters and sensors) to automatically determine and verify phase connections without external manual intervention, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-characterize
2Measurement precision
If manual verification of phase connections is performed, then accuracy of phase connection determination is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization by continuously collecting and processing voltage measurement data to establish phase connection information in advance, so that when verification is needed, the information is already available immediately without requiring time-consuming manual field visits
Solution Approach 2:
The automated data processing system replaces time-consuming manual verification processes, reducing the time required for phase connection determination from potentially days or weeks of field work to instantaneous or near-instantaneous computational analysis
3Reliability
If advanced grid control solutions are implemented, then reliability of grid control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex grid control problem into manageable components: data collection from multiple sources, voltage measurement processing, clustering analysis, and phase connection determination. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability through systematic processing of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary data processing layer that uses voltage measurements and clustering algorithms to bridge the gap between raw grid data and reliable control decisions, simplifying the path to reliable control without requiring direct complex interactions between all grid components
4Reliability
If detailed knowledge of phase connections is obtained, then reliability of grid control is improved, but loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring voltage measurements and comparing them against characterized phase connection information, allowing the system to maintain accurate knowledge of phase connections over time and correct any drift or changes in the grid configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system replaces the loss of information that occurs with manual verification by continuously processing electrical measurements to maintain an up-to-date, accurate digital representation of phase connections, ensuring no information is lost to human error or incomplete documentation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining phase connections of grid components in a power grid, the method comprising assessing a relative similarity of time series of measured voltage data of the grid components by clustering the time series of measured voltage data of the grid components; grouping the grid components into a plurality of clusters based on the assessing a relative similarity; and assessing a phase connection of the grid components in each cluster of the plurality of clusters. The present disclosure also relates to a respective device and computer program.