Power Information Management Device for Microgrid Settlement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the ability to efficiently measure and manage power supply and consumption among general power users, leading to significant power loss and cumbersome settlement processes, especially in urban areas where power generation is decentralized, and infrastructure changes are difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

A power information management device and system that connects power generation, storage, and load units via a communication network, enabling measurement and settlement of power transactions among users with unique identification, allowing flexible configuration and scaling without extensive infrastructure changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power is transmitted from remote power plants to urban areas through power lines, then power supply is ensured, but substantial power loss occurs during transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized power supply system into distributed microgrid units, where each microgrid includes local power generation, storage, and consumption components. This segmentation enables local power circulation and reduces the need for long-distance transmission, thereby reducing power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of power management by implementing a hierarchical control structure with multiple levels (microgrid level, community level, and utility level). This multi-dimensional approach allows power to be managed and traded locally while maintaining connection to the broader grid, reducing transmission losses.

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

2Productivity

If multiple power users participate in power reciprocation, then power sharing efficiency is improved, but measurement and settlement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower sharing efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement and settlement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a microgrid controller as an intermediary device that automatically manages power measurement, accounting, and settlement among multiple users. The controller implements a distributed ledger to track power transactions and automatically calculates settlements, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement and settlement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated power measurement and settlement. Each user's power consumption and generation are automatically measured by smart meters, and settlements are automatically calculated and executed by the microgrid controller, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the process for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If power infrastructure is expanded to serve new users, then power supply coverage is improved, but construction work and procedures become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply coverageVSAvoidconstruction work
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic microgrid configuration that can easily add or remove users without extensive infrastructure construction. The modular microgrid design allows new users to be integrated by simply connecting them to the existing microgrid through standard interfaces, enabling flexible adaptation to changing power supply needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3651314B1Power information management device and power information management system
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 MORITA HIROYUKI
  • EP3651314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3651314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3651314B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information management device, etc. are provided that: measure a supply amount or a consumption amount at each power user; allow for easy settlement of power charges among the power users; and can change configuration and scale in an easy and flexible manner depending on changes in the power users. The power information management device is directly or indirectly connected to a communication network and is provided with: wiring that transmits power; a power measurement unit that measures an amount and a direction of the power transmitted through the wiring; a power information generation unit that generates, on a predetermined period basis, power information that represents the amount and the direction of the power measured by the power measurement unit; and a communication unit that transmits the power information to the communication network, wherein a load unit, a power generation unit and a power storage unit are directly or indirectly connectable to the wiring.