Secure IP Messaging for Real-Time Grid Data and Settlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power grid management systems lack efficient and secure communication protocols for real-time data transmission and financial settlement, relying on outdated technologies that are vulnerable to security threats and inefficient in managing grid stability and energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing IP-based messaging systems with autonomous and automatic generation of IP packets by grid elements, including raw and transformed data, priority, security, and transport routes, for secure and efficient communication over networks, managed by a coordinator for energy and financial settlement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IP-based messaging systems are implemented for real-time data transmission, then communication efficiency and grid stability are improved, but system complexity and security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging system is segmented into distinct components including IP packet generation modules, transformation engines, priority classification systems, and security protocols. Each component handles specific aspects of message processing independently, allowing the system to achieve real-time communication efficiency while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as message brokers, transformation services, and security gateways that mediate between grid elements and the communication network. These intermediaries simplify the overall system architecture by centralizing complex functions while enabling efficient point-to-point communication between grid components.
2Reliability
If secure communication protocols are implemented for financial settlement, then security and reliability are improved, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Security protocols and authentication mechanisms are implemented in advance during system initialization and message preparation phases. Digital certificates, encryption keys, and security parameters are pre-configured and cached, allowing financial settlement messages to be secured without adding significant processing time to the critical communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts security parameters such as encryption strength, authentication depth, and verification rigor based on the message type, priority, and sensitivity. Financial settlement messages receive enhanced security processing, while less critical operational messages use streamlined security protocols, optimizing the balance between security and processing time.
3Speed
If autonomous IP packet generation is implemented by grid elements, then communication efficiency and response time are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Grid elements implement partial autonomy for IP packet generation, where only essential messaging functions are performed locally while more complex transformations and security operations are delegated to centralized services. This partial autonomy reduces response time for critical communications while minimizing the energy burden on distributed grid elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal messaging components that can operate in multiple modes depending on the specific grid element's capabilities and requirements. Elements with sufficient processing power can perform autonomous packet generation and transformation, while others can rely on centralized services, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption based on available resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and messages of the present invention provides IP-based messages associated with the grid elements, wherein each IP-based message includes an internet protocol (IP) packet that is generated autonomously and/or automatically by the grid elements, intelligent messaging hardware associated with the grid elements, at least one coordinator, and/or a server associated with the electric power grid and its operation, energy settlement, and/or financial settlement for electricity provided or consumed, transmitted, and/or curtailed or reduced. The IP packet preferably includes a content including raw data and/or transformed data, a priority associated with the IP-based message, a security associated with the IP packet, and/or a transport route for communicating the IP-based message via the network.