Smart Grid Volt/VAR Optimization via AMI Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage and VAR control systems in power grids lack real-time synchronization and coordination, leading to inefficiencies in voltage regulation and increased power generation due to uncoordinated control devices and limited access to event data, which restricts utilities' ability to make optimal corrections affecting end users.
Innovation Solution
A smart grid system utilizing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with mesh networks and smart meters that report real-time meter information to a utility server, enabling synchronized monitoring and control of switching events across the grid, allowing for automated and coordinated volt/VAR optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If utilities reduce system voltage to use less fuel and prolong equipment life, then energy efficiency improves, but voltage compliance with ANSI C84.1 standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors voltage levels at multiple points in the distribution network and feeds this information back to automatically adjust transformer tap positions and capacitor bank switching, enabling dynamic voltage optimization that maintains ANSI compliance while minimizing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static voltage control to dynamic control by continuously adjusting transformer taps and capacitor banks based on real-time load conditions and voltage measurements, allowing the system to adapt voltage levels optimally throughout the distribution network
2Ease of operation
If multiple control devices are deployed independently on the distribution network, then local voltage control capability improves, but system-wide coordination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges independent control devices into a coordinated network by implementing two-way communication between all control devices and the central system, allowing centralized optimization algorithms to coordinate tap changer and capacitor bank operations across the entire distribution network while maintaining local control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The central control system acts as an intermediary that collects real-time data from all control devices, processes this information using optimization algorithms, and sends coordinated control commands back to the appropriate devices, ensuring system-wide coordination while preserving local operational autonomy
3Loss of energy
If capacitance banks are used to counteract VARs, then reactive power compensation improves, but complete VAR elimination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches capacitor banks in and out based on real-time VAR measurements and system conditions, optimizing the placement and operation of capacitance compensation to more effectively counteract reactive power flows and reduce the need for utility power generation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention propose volt/VAR optimization that may be time synchronized and automated based on actions invoked at a control system utilizing a smart grid solution that incorporates metering end points which are capable of reporting to a utility the information that is needed by the utility or to another system for making real time decisions on events that may occur at the distribution level. Embodiments of the invention incorporate large numbers of end points (e.g., smart meters) which a utility can use to determine how any event or events it may invoke at the grid level affect its compliance at the end user level.