Power Grid Planning via Graphical Pattern Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Planning electrical power transmission networks is complex and labor-intensive, requiring many manual steps by experts to identify and utilize recurring equipment configurations and parameterizations, which limits efficiency and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A method that converts input datasets into graphical representations to identify and reuse typical equipment configurations, using pattern recognition to automate the planning process, reducing manual effort and enabling systematic reuse of historical data for new projects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual planning methods are used by experts to identify and utilize recurring equipment configurations, then planning accuracy and reliability are maintained, but planning time and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning accuracyVSAvoidplanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates graphical representations that copy and store typical equipment configurations and their interconnections from existing power transmission networks. These graphical models serve as reusable templates that can be automatically applied to new planning projects, eliminating the need for manual recreation while preserving the reliability of proven configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify and store typical configurations in graphical representation form before they are needed for new planning projects. By pre-processing and archiving successful equipment arrangements, the system enables rapid retrieval and reuse, significantly reducing planning time for future projects while maintaining consistency with proven designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual identification of typical configurations is performed by experts, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but the process becomes labor-intensive and difficult to scale

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidplanning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of expert analysis with an automated computational system. The planning arrangement automatically converts datasets into graphical representations, identifies patterns, and extracts typical configurations without human intervention, thereby eliminating labor constraints while maintaining configuration accuracy through systematic algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically identifying and storing typical configurations from existing networks without requiring expert intervention. The automated pattern recognition and graphical representation generation allow the system to serve itself in capturing and preserving valuable planning knowledge, freeing experts to focus on higher-level decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If historical data and expert experience are reused systematically, then planning speed increases, but the complexity of managing and organizing configuration data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning speedVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments complex power transmission network data into distinct graphical representations of individual equipment configurations and their interconnections. By breaking down the overall system into discrete, manageable graphical components, the patent simplifies data organization and retrieval while enabling rapid assembly of typical configurations for new planning projects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms tabular or textual dataset information into a graphical dimension, creating visual representations that capture equipment configurations and relationships. This dimensional transformation organizes complex data in a more intuitive and manageable format, facilitating easier storage, retrieval, and reuse of typical configurations without increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11404870B2Method for planning an electrical power transmission network, planning arrangement and computer program product
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 SIEMENS AG
  • US11404870B2 patent drawing
  • US11404870B2 patent drawing
  • US11404870B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for planning an electrical power transmission network using a planning arrangement includes providing a first input dataset, and converting the first input dataset into graphical representation using a conversion device. The graphical representation contains topology information for interconnection of equipment items and data communication information and parameterization information for equipment items. Different types of equipment are distinguished by a first identifier, electrical connections are distinguished by a second identifier and data communication links are distinguished by a third identifier. Multiply recurring patterns in the graphical representation are identified by a pattern recognition device. A respective frequency of patterns is determined by the pattern recognition device. All patterns having a frequency exceeding a predetermined threshold are marked as candidate samples by the pattern recognition device. Typical configurations are selected from the candidate patterns using a selection criterion. A planning arrangement and a computer program product are also provided.