Optimal communication architecture for smart distribution power grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The detection and reporting of power theft on a micro power grid is costly and energy-intensive, leading to sustainability issues and network latency due to the constant operation of wireless communication components and multi-hop data messages.
Innovation Solution
A method for implementing a smart distribution power grid (SDPG) with smart meters and distribution nodes that optimize data packet transfer technology to minimize communication costs and energy consumption, using an algorithm that considers various factors to determine the optimal placement and number of Smart Distribution Nodes (SDNs) along the power grid topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication components operate constantly to detect and report power theft, then power theft detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up cycles where communication components alternate between sleep mode and active monitoring mode. During wake periods, nodes perform power theft detection and data transmission; during sleep periods, components remain inactive to conserve energy. This periodic operation maintains detection capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant operation.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-hop data messages are used for communication across the grid, then network coverage is improved, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power grid network into hierarchical levels (primary nodes, secondary nodes, tertiary nodes) where each segment handles local communications independently. This segmentation allows multi-hop communication to achieve extended coverage while reducing overall latency by localizing data processing and minimizing the number of hops required for most communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate relay nodes that act as mediators between distant communication pairs. These intermediate nodes pre-process and forward data, reducing the burden on end nodes and optimizing the multi-hop transmission path. The intermediaries maintain coverage extension while managing latency through intelligent data routing and processing.
3Measurement precision
If more Smart Distribution Nodes are deployed along the power grid topology, then power theft detection accuracy is improved, but network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by deploying SDNs with differentiated functionality based on their location and role in the network. Primary nodes near power theft-prone areas have enhanced detection capabilities, while secondary and tertiary nodes have basic monitoring functions. This non-uniform deployment maintains high detection accuracy in critical areas while reducing overall network cost by avoiding unnecessary deployment in low-risk areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing a micro grid within a Smart Distribution Power Grid (SDPG) has steps for connecting a smart meter enabled to sense voltage, to sense current and current direction and to communicate wirelessly to individual ones of consumer sites within an area of the micro grid, determining a set of Smart Distribution Nodes of a number, placement and data packet transfer technology to transfer data from the smart meters to a Micro Grid Controlling Station (MCS), the set determined in a manner to provide cost optimization, where cost is determined form at least original node costs, data packet hops, operating costs and maintenance costs, and implementing the set of SDNs along a power grid topology (PGT) of the micro grid, such that data is transmitted from each smart meter to a proximate SDN and through other SDNs to the MCS.