Multi-Feed Power Network Controllers for Topology Change Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution network control systems require centralized management or identical distributed logic controllers, leading to resource-intensive maintenance and reconfiguration challenges, especially when topology changes occur, which can prevent affected controllers from responding to additional topology changes.
Innovation Solution
A system where controllers in a multi-feed power distribution network can automatically detect and adapt to topology changes by exchanging configuration information without prior knowledge of other controllers, allowing for ad-hoc communication and self-discovery, enabling continuous operation and restoration of network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized distribution management systems are used to control complex grids, then control capability and coordination are improved, but resource requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by introducing a gateway controller that acts as an intermediary between field devices and the centralized DMS. This gateway controller handles local communication and data aggregation, allowing the centralized system to focus on high-level coordination while reducing the resource burden on both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway controller serves as an intermediary device that mediates communication between field devices and the centralized DMS. It translates and relays messages between these systems, reducing the direct resource requirements and complexity of the centralized system while maintaining full control capability.
2Device complexity
If distributed logic controllers are deployed at every field location, then centralized resource requirements are reduced, but reconfiguration complexity increases when topology changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway controller automatically discovers new field devices and dynamically updates its configuration without requiring manual reconfiguration. When topology changes occur, the system self-adjusts by having the gateway controller detect new devices and update its message routing accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration where the gateway controller can adapt its message routing and device associations in real-time based on topology changes. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain ease of operation even as the network evolves, contrasting with static pre-configured systems.
3Reliability
If controllers are pre-configured with knowledge of other controllers, then communication coordination is improved, but adaptability to topology changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway controller implements a feedback mechanism where it continuously monitors the network topology and automatically updates its configuration based on detected changes. This feedback loop maintains communication coordination while simultaneously improving adaptability, as the system responds to topology changes in real-time rather than relying on pre-configured knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway controller is pre-configured with a message routing framework and device discovery capabilities, but not with specific device assignments. This preliminary setup enables rapid adaptation when topology changes occur, as the structural framework is already in place to handle new configurations without requiring complete reconfiguration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If identical smart devices are deployed across the entire distribution grid, then system uniformity is improved, but flexibility and vendor diversity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway controller is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple types of field devices from different vendors. It provides a standardized interface layer that maintains system uniformity in terms of control and monitoring, while simultaneously enabling vendor diversity by supporting various device protocols and types through its multi-functional communication framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a multi-feed power distribution network includes: a first controller configured to control operation of a first network sector, the first controller configured to, in response to a topology change in the first network sector causing a change in a location from which power is supplied to at least one affected network segment, transmit a message identifying the at least one affected network segment from the first controller to the network without prior knowledge of any other controllers; and at least one second controller configured to control operation of the at least one second network sector, the second controller configured to receive the message, exchange configuration information regarding the at least one affected segment with the first controller, and automatically update the second configuration data of the second controller based on the configuration information received from the first controller to reflect the topology change.