Smart Grid Topology Estimation via Voltage Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility and distribution companies face inaccuracies in maintaining connectivity information for smart meters, leading to errors in transformer connections, which degrade the functionality of smart grids due to poor record-keeping and lack of updates during power issues.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to determine the correct connectivity of smart meters to transformers by correlating time-series of voltage changes, using a correlation module to calculate the affinity between meters, thereby accurately establishing the topology of the smart grid and updating topological data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If connectivity information is manually maintained by utility companies, then record-keeping can be performed, but errors accumulate and data accuracy degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical record-keeping processes with automated electronic data collection and processing systems. Smart meters automatically transmit connectivity data to the utility company's server, eliminating human error in manual updates and maintaining continuous accuracy of connectivity information without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If line workers update connections during field operations, then local power problems can be quickly addressed, but records are frequently not updated leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where smart meters continuously report their operational status and connectivity information to the central server. When field workers make connection changes, the smart meter automatically detects and reports the new connectivity state, ensuring records are updated in real-time without requiring manual intervention from workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart meter system performs self-service by automatically detecting its own connectivity status and reporting it to the utility company's database. This eliminates the need for line workers to manually update records after making field changes, as the meter autonomously maintains accurate connectivity information.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If transformers remain in service for decades, then infrastructure stability is maintained, but connectivity errors accumulate and degrade smart grid functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and correction of connectivity errors by continuously monitoring smart meter data against the recorded topology. Before errors can significantly degrade grid functionality, the automated system identifies discrepancies and flags them for correction, preventing accumulation of errors over the transformer's decades-long service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for determining aspects of a topology of a smart grid are described herein, and particularly for determining if one or more electrical meters are connected to the same transformer. In one example, time-stamped voltage data is collected from at least two meters. The voltage data may indicate a slight transient change in voltage resulting from a consumer turning on or off an electrical load. In particular, the slight voltage changes may be sensed by all meters attached to a same transformer based on electrical load changes by any one of the customers on the same transformer. Using the time-stamped voltage data, a time-series of voltage-changes may be generated for each electrical meter. A correlation between the time-series of voltage-changes of pairs of meters may be calculated, to thereby determine an affinity between the meters, and particularly if they are connected to a same transformer.