Smart Meter Gateway Rate Limiting for Grid Balance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of sudden imbalances between energy production and consumption in energy distribution networks due to the mass transmission of critical commands, which can lead to blackouts, is exacerbated by human errors or malicious attacks in Advanced Metering Management (AMM) systems, where existing security mechanisms fail to prevent unauthorized or excessive command transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a process in the AMM system's gateway to limit the number of critical commands sent per defined time period, including classification of commands and iterative monitoring against predetermined thresholds, to prevent excessive command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If critical commands are mass-sent to smart meters for rapid control actions, then system responsiveness and control capability are improved, but the risk of energy imbalance and blackout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by pre-defining rate limiting rules and thresholds for critical commands before they are executed. The system预先 sets maximum command rates and monitors cumulative command counts, preventing excessive command transmission before it can cause energy imbalance. This proactive approach allows the system to maintain rapid response capability while avoiding the harmful effects of mass command transmission.
2Reliability
If security mechanisms are strengthened to prevent unauthorized commands, then system security is improved, but legitimate critical command transmission may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating security verification from rate limiting functions. The system divides command processing into distinct stages: authentication/authorization verification, rate limit checking, and execution. This segmentation allows security mechanisms to thoroughly verify commands without blocking legitimate critical commands, while rate limiting independently controls the transmission speed to prevent energy imbalance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rate limiting mechanism that sits between the security verification layer and the command execution layer. This intermediary component monitors and controls the flow of commands based on predefined rules, allowing securely verified critical commands to pass through while preventing excessive command transmission that could cause system instability.
3Reliability
If rate limiting is applied to all commands, then energy balance stability is improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different rate limiting strategies to different command types and system contexts. Critical commands that could cause energy imbalance are subject to rate limiting, while non-critical commands maintain normal transmission flexibility. The system can also adjust rate limiting parameters locally based on current system conditions, such as increasing limits during low-load periods or maintaining strict limits during high-risk conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A set of communicating meters (500) is served by an energy distribution network and communicates with a consumption data management and collection system (400), said meters being configured to measure and manage energy consumption. The method comprises the steps, implemented by a gateway between the management and collection system and the set of meters, of: A- receiving commands for one or more meters from the management and collection system, said commands being intended to be executed by the relevant meters; and B- sending the commands to the relevant meters; wherein step B includes implementing a process for limiting the number of commands sent during a defined period of time.