Smart Meter Voltage Estimation for Low-Voltage Section Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems face challenges in estimating voltage drops and rises between monitoring points due to the lack of computerized topology and impedance information in low-voltage systems, making it difficult to maintain proper voltage ranges and requiring costly infrastructure adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A voltage management device that estimates voltage drops and rises by using measurement values from smart meters and sensor-integrated switchgears, determining estimation information for maximum voltage changes, and updating proper voltage ranges based on historical data, reducing the need for real-time measurements and infrastructure costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage measurement devices are installed at every location to monitor voltage in sections between monitoring points, then voltage management precision is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses smart meters at consumer locations to obtain voltage information indirectly. Instead of installing measurement devices at every monitoring point, the system copies voltage data from smart meters that are already deployed for billing purposes. This allows the voltage management device to estimate voltage changes in sections without adding physical measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage management device as an intermediary that processes data from smart meters and estimates voltage changes. This intermediary system bridges the gap between limited monitoring point data and the need for comprehensive voltage management, using calculation based on impedance information rather than direct measurement at every location.
2Measurement precision
If topology and impedance information are collected and computerized for all low-voltage system facilities, then voltage drop and voltage rise estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary collection and storage of topology and impedance information for low-voltage system facilities before voltage estimation is needed. By pre-computing and storing impedance values for each facility and section, the system avoids the need for complex real-time data gathering during voltage management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the relationship between facilities and sections in the low-voltage system topology before voltage estimation is required. This preliminary structuring of data allows the voltage management device to efficiently query and use impedance information without complex data management during operation.
3Reliability
If real-time voltage measurements are performed at all monitoring points, then voltage management reliability is improved, but energy consumption and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses voltage measurement values from smart meters that are periodically updated (e.g., monthly or at billing cycles) rather than requiring continuous real-time measurements. This periodic data collection, combined with impedance-based estimation, provides sufficient reliability for voltage management without the time and energy costs of continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage management device according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit that obtains, for each of sections in a power system, a measurement value of a voltage measured by a smart meter connected to that section, where the sections are generated by segmentation between monitoring points, and a voltage estimation unit that estimates, for each of the sections, a voltage drop quantity and a voltage rise quantity in that section using the measurement value.