Power Grid Visualization With Multi-Attribute Map Overlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing complexity and variability of electrical power grids require dynamic monitoring and visualization of power grid conditions to manage changing loads and supplies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for visualizing electrical power grid operations, which collects and displays data on various temporal and spatially dependent characteristics of the power grid, such as power flow, voltage, and power factor, using a graphical user interface (GUI) that overlays power grid data on geographic maps, allowing real-time and historical visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple power grid characteristics are visualized simultaneously, then the comprehensiveness of monitoring is improved, but the complexity of the visualization system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system divides power grid characteristics into separate selectable categories (voltage, current, power factor, etc.) that can be independently configured and displayed. Each characteristic can be toggled on/off individually, allowing operators to customize the display based on specific monitoring needs without overwhelming the interface with all possible parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system overlays multiple characteristics on a unified geographic map interface, adding spatial dimension to the visualization. Different characteristics are represented through multiple visual dimensions (color coding, line thickness, arrow size) on the same two-dimensional map, enabling comprehensive monitoring without increasing interface complexity.
2Speed
If real-time dynamic visualization is implemented, then the responsiveness to grid changes is improved, but the computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time visualization selectively for specific characteristics that are most critical for operational decision-making. Operators can choose to display only the most relevant parameters in real-time while updating others at lower frequencies or on-demand, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining responsiveness for key metrics.
3Measurement precision
If detailed power grid data is displayed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system provides different levels of detail in different interface areas. The map view offers a high-level overview of the entire power grid, while clicking on specific components or regions allows operators to drill down and view detailed measurements for those particular locations. This hierarchical approach maintains ease of operation for general monitoring while providing access to precise measurements when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for electrical power grid visualization. A computer-implemented method includes: obtaining power grid data including different temporal and spatially dependent characteristics of a power grid, the characteristics including a first characteristic, a second characteristic, and a third characteristic; and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) representing a visualization of the power grid data. The GUI includes a line-diagram representation of power lines in the power grid overlaid on a map of a geographic region in which the power grid is located, the line-diagram including a plurality of line segments, wherein attributes of each line segment represent the power grid data at a particular spatial location of the power grid. The attributes include a time-changing thickness of the line segment representing the first characteristic; a plurality of time-changing directional arrows on the line segment representing the second characteristic; and a color shading representing the third characteristic.