Phase Identification via Voltage Variation in Smart Grid Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-phase power systems often experience load imbalances, which existing technologies struggle to accurately detect and correct due to limitations in real-time phase-related information collection and analysis across the network.
Innovation Solution
A software module communicates with load tap changers and nodes in a mesh network to vary voltage levels across phases, perform measurements, and analyze data to determine the association between nodes and phases, enabling effective load balancing by identifying the number of loads associated with each phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If power line carrier systems are used to collect phase-related information, then real-time centralized analysis is improved, but system complexity and dependency on specific communication infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing mesh network infrastructure for multiple purposes - both for communication and for phase identification through voltage measurements. Nodes in the mesh network serve dual functions: maintaining network connectivity and collecting voltage data for phase determination, eliminating the need for dedicated power line carrier equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing mesh network nodes' own voltage measurements to identify their phase associations. Each node independently measures voltage during test periods and compares measurements to determine its phase, without requiring external dedicated measurement infrastructure or complex centralized analysis systems.
2Measurement precision
If voltage levels are varied across phases to identify node associations, then phase identification accuracy is improved, but system stability during measurement periods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic voltage variations at the load tap changer during designated test periods, alternating between different phase configurations. These temporary variations are followed by return to normal operation, allowing phase identification without permanent disruption. The mesh network nodes collect measurements during these periodic test windows when variations occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs voltage variations and measurements during preliminary test periods before final phase identification is established. Nodes collect voltage measurements during these test periods when variations are applied, and the collected data is then analyzed to determine phase associations, separating the measurement phase from normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining the number of loads associated with each phase in a three-phase electric power system. The loads can be associated with the consumption of electric power at a node, such as a metering device located at a facility. In one implementation, a central device that is connected to such nodes via a smart grid and a radio frequency mesh network can be leveraged to determine a phase in real time. For example, the central device can include a processor that executes one or more computer program modules which can cause a load tap changer having access to a distribution feeder in the smart grid to vary a voltage level supplied across each phase of the power system. Additionally, the central device can communicate with nodes in the mesh network to cause the nodes to perform voltage measurements and collect information related to such measurements.