Utility Network Outage Detection via Autonomous Sensor Polling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility network management systems are limited in outage detection and restoration due to a lack of instrumentation downstream from substations and high costs associated with network connectivity, relying heavily on manual customer reports and basic correlation methods.
Innovation Solution
A utility network management system with an integrated outage detection system (ODS) that utilizes networked meters and devices to autonomously detect and manage outages, leveraging a larger number of sensors throughout the grid for improved dynamic network management, including a smart gateway between the utility network management center and meters for two-way communication and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual customer reports and basic correlation methods are used for outage detection, then system complexity is reduced, but outage detection precision and response speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables electronic utility devices to autonomously detect and report their own operational status. Devices automatically monitor parameters such as power flow, voltage, and current, and self-report anomalies to the management system without requiring manual customer reports, thereby improving detection precision while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reporting systems with automated electronic monitoring and communication systems. Electronic utility devices use sensors and communication modules to automatically detect outages and transmit data to the management system, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with electronic automation to enhance detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If networked meters and sensors are deployed throughout the grid for autonomous outage detection, then outage detection precision improves, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs electronic utility devices that perform multiple functions: they monitor power flow, detect outages, communicate status information, and provide topological data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated outage detection devices, thereby improving detection precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary that connects electronic utility devices to the management system. This intermediary enables automated data transmission without requiring direct complex point-to-point connections between each device and the central system, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling precise autonomous detection
3Productivity
If automated polling of electronic utility devices is implemented, then productivity of outage management improves, but use of energy and communication resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system implements periodic polling of electronic utility devices at scheduled intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains productivity by regularly updating system status while reducing energy consumption and communication resource usage compared to continuous real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where electronic utility devices report status changes asynchronously when events occur (such as outages or restorations). This event-driven feedback complements periodic polling, allowing the system to maintain high productivity by quickly detecting actual issues while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding constant communication during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system including a utility network including a product distribution pathway for delivering a product, a plurality of electronic utility devices associated with the utility network to monitor at least one parameter associated with the product distribution pathway, and a management processor in communication with the devices and operable to poll at least a subset of the electronic utility devices in response to an input to evaluate performance of one of the utility network and the system in response to information relating to the at least one parameter. The evaluation can include a rule-based analysis of one of the parameter and the information relating to the parameter.