Virtual Microgrid Control for Deterministic vPOI Power Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of intermittent distributed renewable power and disruptive loads like EV charging into electric power grids reduces reliability, leading to instability due to lack of spinning inertia and uncontrolled loads, making it difficult to manage power flow at points of interconnection, especially in microgrids where traditional demand response systems and energy market participation are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual microgrid control system that estimates power flow measurements and generates control actions using an integral action feedback controller to achieve deterministic power flow at virtual points of interconnection, allowing for dynamic control of power resources without physical measurements, and automatically generating virtual microgrids in response to network changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional demand response systems are used to control loads behind customer meters, then some power management is achieved, but deterministic control at the POI cannot be achieved due to uncontrolled loads and variable renewables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (virtual microgrid) that replicates the physical microgrid's behavior and characteristics. This virtual model allows for deterministic control calculations and simulations without requiring physical measurements at every point, thereby achieving reliable power flow control while reducing operational complexity through software-based modeling rather than extensive physical instrumentation
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual microgrid acts as an intermediary layer between the physical grid components and the control system. It mediates the control actions by computing equivalent injections at the POI based on virtual measurements and models, enabling deterministic control without direct physical measurement of all underlying components, thus resolving the contradiction between control reliability and operational simplicity
2Reliability
If physical microgrids are installed at various points in the distribution grid to improve control, then distributed control capability is enhanced, but costly infrastructure installation and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual replicas of physical microgrids that can be deployed through software without requiring physical hardware installation. These virtual microgrids provide the same control capabilities as physical installations would, but eliminate the costs of hardware installation, maintenance, and upgrading, thereby enhancing grid control capability while avoiding infrastructure costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical microgrid infrastructure with a software-based virtual model. Instead of installing physical controllers and measurement devices throughout the distribution grid, the system uses computational models and algorithms to achieve the same control objectives, substituting mechanical systems with information-processing systems to reduce infrastructure costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If more distributed renewable power is integrated into the grid, then renewable energy penetration increases, but grid stability decreases due to lack of spinning inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms within the virtual microgrid model that continuously monitor virtual measurements and adjust control actions to maintain stability. The system uses feedback from the modeled system behavior to compensate for the lack of physical spinning inertia, allowing high renewable penetration while maintaining frequency stability through active control rather than passive inertial properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the grid by using virtual models to simulate and optimize various operating conditions. Through parameter optimization in the virtual environment, the system determines optimal control strategies that enable high renewable energy integration while maintaining stability, allowing parameter tuning without the constraints of physical system limitations
4Speed
If fast distributed control systems are deployed to accommodate dynamic grid changes, then response speed improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual models that replicate the dynamic behavior of the physical system, allowing for rapid simulations and control calculations in the virtual domain. These virtual models can be updated and reconfigured quickly without the complexity of changing physical hardware, enabling fast control response while keeping the actual deployed system relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations are directed to achieving a real-time and distributed control solution that can at least selectively achieve a deterministic flow of power at a virtual point of interconnection (vPOI) of a virtual microgrid, where there is limited or no power measurement data available at the vPOI. Some of those implementations are directed to automatically generating virtual microgrids for a power network, optionally including generating additional and/or alternative virtual microgrids in response to transient and/or persistent changes to the power network. Some of those implementations are additionally or alternatively directed to dynamic control of a virtual microgrid to achieve the deterministic flow of power at the vPOI thereof.