Rural Electricity Network Virtual Meshing via Local Controllers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rural electricity networks with tree typology face challenges in resilience and voltage regulation due to over-sized infrastructure, making them prone to service disruptions and inefficient in integrating distributed renewable generation, which is unpredictable and affects supply quality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual meshed network by introducing local controllers with control, communication, and storage devices at intermediate nodes, allowing the network to operate similarly to a meshed network without new infrastructure, enabling flexible voltage management and autonomous operation during failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tree-type network topology is used in rural areas, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but the network resilience and service reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rural electricity network into multiple autonomous microgrids, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the network to maintain service reliability through local self-sufficiency while keeping overall infrastructure costs low by avoiding the need for a fully meshed topology across the entire rural area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the network topology through controllable switches and transformers. The system can dynamically switch between tree-type and meshed configurations based on operational needs, allowing cost-effective tree topology during normal operation while providing meshed resilience when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed renewable generation is integrated into the network, then energy sustainability is improved, but voltage regulation and supply quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed control system with real-time feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor voltage levels and adjust the operation of distributed generation units and storage systems accordingly. This feedback loop maintains voltage regulation quality while enabling high integration of renewable energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable transformers and power electronics that can dynamically change electrical parameters such as voltage level and frequency. This allows the system to accommodate the variable output from renewable generation while maintaining stable supply quality for consumers.
3Device complexity
If transformer stations without variable regulation are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to voltage changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard transformer stations multi-functional by equipping them with storage devices and control systems. These transformers can then serve both their traditional voltage transformation function and additional functions such as energy storage, voltage regulation, and islanded operation, eliminating the need for complex dedicated regulation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables transformer stations to autonomously regulate voltage and manage power flow through integrated control systems and storage devices. The transformers self-adjust to voltage changes without requiring external regulation equipment, maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electricity distribution network of tree typology, supplied from a transformation centre (2), said network having intermediate nodes and final nodes, characterised in that it comprises in said intermediate and/or final nodes a control centre that has: a control device (5), a communication device, an electricity storage device, the electricity storage device being configured to store power from the network or alternatively to dump power into the network.