Unified Virtual Power Grid Model for Multi-Scale Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power grid simulation tools are limited by their inability to adapt to different time scales and spatial granularity, leading to fragmented and inaccurate modeling and evaluation of grid operations, which complicates decision-making processes for stakeholders.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for simulating electrical power grid operations using a fully-integrated, spatially and temporally fine-grained virtual electrical grid model with adaptable and scalable simulation engines, allowing for simulations across various time scales and spatial expanse, and incorporating multiple layers and versions of the grid model based on different data sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple siloed software programs are used for grid evaluation, then decision-making criteria can be covered, but the interfaces between them are awkward or non-existent leading to fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate software programs into a single integrated simulation platform that can handle all decision-making criteria (capital expenditure, rate of return, risk, reliability) within one unified system, eliminating interface problems and fragmentation between tools
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation platform is designed to perform multiple functions including financial analysis, risk assessment, reliability evaluation, and operational simulation all within one system, allowing it to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual electric grid models are re-implemented across utilities, then each utility can have customized models, but fragmentation between utilities occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation platform that can be deployed across different utilities with standardized architecture, allowing customization for local needs while maintaining consistency in core modeling capabilities and data formats, preventing fragmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of grid models to match specific utility requirements while maintaining a standardized core framework, enabling adaptability without sacrificing interoperability or creating fragmentation
3Productivity
If simplifications are made in modeling factors, then computational complexity is reduced, but accuracy of simulation results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts modeling detail and computational methods based on the specific simulation requirements, allowing high accuracy when needed while maintaining computational efficiency for routine analyses, rather than using fixed simplifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements advanced algorithms that change modeling parameters and computational approaches based on the simulation context, maintaining high accuracy for critical calculations while using efficient approximations where appropriate, avoiding fixed simplifications
4Adaptability or versatility
If different underlying grid models are used in siloed tools, then each tool can specialize in its function, but divergence in results is magnified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate grid models into a single unified underlying model that serves all simulation functions, ensuring consistency across all analyses while maintaining the ability to perform specialized studies through different simulation scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method executed by one or more processors includes receiving a request for an output of an electrical grid simulation, the request including data indicating one or more input parameters for the simulation; in response to receiving the request, accessing a virtual model of an electrical grid, the virtual model including multiple different model configurations; selecting, based on the requested output from the simulation, and based on the one or more input parameters for the simulation, (i) a simulation mode including a resolution and scale of the simulation and (ii) one of the multiple different model configurations; executing an electrical grid simulation in the selected simulation mode using the selected model configuration; and based on results of the electrical grid simulation, providing the requested output of the electrical grid simulation.