Universal Grid Analyzer for Distribution-Level Power Quality Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources into power grids at the distribution level poses challenges due to their stochastic nature and lack of continuous monitoring, affecting power system operators' situational awareness and grid stability, as traditional phasor measurement units (PMUs) are primarily installed at the transmission level and do not provide comprehensive power quality information.
Innovation Solution
A universal grid analyzer (UGA) device that includes an analog-to-digital converter, a GPS receiver for pulse-per-second signals, an oscillator, and a data processor to generate high-precision, time-synchronized metrics such as frequency, magnitude, phase, harmonic level, signal-to-noise ratio, sag, and swell, enabling accurate monitoring of electric power at the distribution level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional PMUs are installed at the transmission level, then real-time measurements of voltage, current, frequency, and phase angle are provided, but comprehensive power quality information at the distribution level is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The grid analyzer is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures traditional power parameters (voltage, current, frequency, phase angle) like traditional PMUs, while also providing comprehensive power quality measurements (harmonics, interharmonics, voltage sags, swells, transients) that traditional PMUs cannot provide. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to serve both transmission-level and distribution-level monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the power quality measurement task into multiple specialized measurement functions: fundamental power parameter measurement, harmonic analysis, interharmonic detection, voltage disturbance detection (sags, swells, transients), and power converter impact assessment. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive power quality information across different levels of the power grid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, then energy production diversity increases, but power quality and grid stability deteriorate due to power converter effects
Solution Approach 1:
The grid analyzer continuously monitors power quality parameters and provides real-time feedback about the impact of power converters and renewable energy sources on grid stability. This feedback enables operators to identify power quality issues, assess converter impacts, and take corrective actions to maintain grid reliability while benefiting from renewable energy integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary measurement system between renewable energy sources and the power grid, providing detailed measurements of converter impacts and power quality parameters. This intermediary monitoring capability enables better coordination and control of renewable energy integration while maintaining power quality standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are installed at the distribution level, then energy production dispersion increases, but situational awareness of power system operators deteriorates due to lack of continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The grid analyzer provides continuous monitoring of power quality parameters, harmonic content, and converter impacts at distribution-level renewable energy installations. This continuous measurement action ensures that operators maintain situational awareness of distributed energy production status and power quality conditions, preventing information loss despite the dispersed nature of renewable energy sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a device for monitoring electric power at the distribution level. The device may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert an input signal into digital samples at time intervals, a receiver to generate a pulse-per-second (PPS) signal, an oscillator to generate an oscillator signal, and a data processor coupled to the ADC, the receiver, and the oscillator. The data processor may include a counter to measure an oscillator frequency of the oscillator signal at each pulse of the PPS signal, an adjuster to adjust a timer period register value, and a timer to adjust the time intervals based on the adjusted timer period register value. Based on the digital samples, the data processor may generate a plurality of metrics, which may include one or more measurements of frequency, magnitude, phase, harmonic level, signal-to-noise ratio, sag, and swell of the input signal.