PLC-Based DER Identification Behind Utility Transformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility grid transformers become bottlenecks in energy transfer due to overloaded power distribution, making it difficult to efficiently identify and facilitate energy sharing among Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems located behind them.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Power Line Communication (PLC) signals with specific frequencies and modulation techniques to allow DER systems to communicate and identify each other, determining which systems are behind a transformer by monitoring signal strength and attenuation, enabling efficient energy transfer within identified groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Power Line Communication (PLC) signals are used to identify DER systems behind transformers, then the ability to identify and group DER systems is improved, but the complexity of the communication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
DER systems automatically perform identification and grouping of systems behind transformers using PLC signals without requiring manual configuration or external intervention. The system self-organizes by monitoring signal strength and automatically creating BTT groupings, eliminating the need for complex external identification infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors PLC signal strength from DER systems and uses this feedback to determine whether systems are located behind transformers. This feedback mechanism enables automatic identification and grouping based on signal attenuation characteristics, resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and system complexity
2Measurement precision
If PLC signals with specific frequencies and modulation techniques are implemented, then the precision of identifying DER systems behind transformers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes specific PLC signal frequencies and modulation techniques as identifiable parameters to distinguish DER systems behind transformers from those that are not. By monitoring signal strength at these specific parameters, the system achieves precise identification without requiring complex detection equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex physical identification methods with electromagnetic PLC signal analysis. Instead of using mechanical or electrical measurement devices to identify DER system locations, the system uses signal strength monitoring of PLC communications, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If DER systems communicate via PLC through the utility grid infrastructure, then energy sharing among BTT systems is enabled, but signal attenuation through transformers reduces communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments DER systems into distinct groups based on their location relative to transformers. By creating separate BTT groupings, the system enables reliable communication and energy sharing within each segment while accounting for the transformer bottleneck, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC signal acts as an intermediary that carries both communication and identification functions through the utility grid infrastructure. By using the existing grid infrastructure as the communication medium, the system enables energy sharing while the signal strength monitoring provides reliable identification of BTT systems despite transformer attenuation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables DER systems to autonomously determine and store the identity of systems connected behind a transformer, allowing for optimized energy sharing and reduced strain on grid infrastructure by bypassing transformer bottlenecks.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing Power Line Communication (PLC) signals with specific frequencies and modulation techniques to allow DER systems to communicate and identify each other
Implementation Method 2
determining which systems are behind a transformer by monitoring signal strength and attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for identifying distributed energy resource (DER) systems that are located behind a transformer of a utility grid infrastructure by receiving a power line communication (PLC) signal transmitted by at least one DER system, analyzing the PLC signal to determine if the PLC signal has characteristics indicating that the PLC signal was transmitted from a DER system that is behind the transformer and, if such characteristics are determined, transmitting an acknowledgement to the DER system that originated the transmission.