Smart Grid Connectivity Model Inference via Power Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of connectivity information in distribution grids deteriorates over time after repairs and maintenance, and existing solutions for inferring the connectivity model between grid entities are costly and require significant investment, impacting grid operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize power-related measurements from meters in an electric power grid to determine a network connectivity model through centralized processing of synchronized power-flow measurements, leveraging mathematical algorithms and exploiting the principle of energy conservation, which is less expensive and minimally invasive to grid operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional signal injection techniques are used to determine connectivity model, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex signal injection hardware and field inspection procedures with a data processing system that uses existing meter measurements. Instead of physically injecting signals and using specialized detection equipment, the system uses mathematical algorithms processing electrical measurements already collected by standard meters to infer connectivity relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary that consolidates and processes measurement data from multiple meters. This intermediary system performs the connectivity analysis centrally, eliminating the need for complex field equipment and manual inspection procedures at each measurement location.
2Measurement precision
If field inspections are conducted to determine connectivity model, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine connectivity models using existing measurement data without requiring external field inspections. The remote device autonomously processes measurement data from meters to infer connectivity relationships, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time-consuming manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurements already collected by meters in normal operation to determine connectivity models. By utilizing pre-existing measurement data rather than waiting for scheduled field inspections, the system continuously maintains updated connectivity information without requiring additional time for separate determination activities.
3Measurement precision
If signal injection techniques are deployed to maintain connectivity accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing meters serve multiple functions: they continue to measure power consumption for billing purposes while simultaneously providing measurement data for connectivity model determination. This eliminates the need for separate signal injection equipment and reduces overall system energy consumption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the connectivity structure by processing copies of existing measurement data. Instead of physically injecting signals into the grid, the system creates and analyzes data representations to infer connectivity relationships, eliminating the energy consumption associated with signal injection hardware and operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate and cost-effective inference of network connectivity models without disrupting grid operations, handling errors and reducing the need for expensive signal injection techniques, while being adaptable to various network scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging mathematical algorithms and exploiting the principle of energy conservation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for determining a network connectivity model. Meters are interfaced with, and periodic synchronous power-related measurements are collected from different meters. Measurement messages are sent to a predetermined location for being consolidated and processed, and a network connectivity model is thereupon determined.