Virtual Smart Grid Device for Energy Distribution Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart grid systems fail to account for the energy usage of non-participating electrical devices, leading to inefficient energy distribution and potential overdraw from the electrical grid, as these devices are not integrated into the smart grid agent's calculations, and converting them is cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller that simulates a virtual smart grid participating device based on the energy usage differences between the smart grid agent's determinations and actual measurements, allowing the smart grid agent to include non-participating devices in energy distribution planning without requiring hardware changes, using a PID or PI controller to stabilize energy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smart grid non-participating devices are converted to smart grid participating devices, then energy distribution accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase due to hardware changes and wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of non-participating devices through a virtual smart grid participating device that replicates their energy consumption patterns. This virtual model allows the smart grid agent to account for non-participating devices without physically converting them, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that measures actual energy consumption and communicates it to the smart grid agent. This intermediary enables accurate energy distribution accounting without requiring direct integration or hardware modification of non-participating devices
2Device complexity
If smart grid non-participating devices are not converted, then device complexity remains low, but energy distribution reliability deteriorates due to unaccounted energy draws from the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously measures actual energy consumption of non-participating devices and provides this information to the smart grid agent. This feedback loop ensures the smart grid agent can accurately determine energy distribution and maintain reliability without converting devices or increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If hardware conversion of non-participating devices is performed, then energy measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome installation and building adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically modifying non-participating devices, the patent creates a virtual representation that captures their energy consumption characteristics. This virtual copying approach achieves measurement accuracy without any physical installation work, wiring changes, or building adaptations
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that measures energy consumption at a centralized location rather than requiring individual device modifications. This approach maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the need for complex installation procedures and building adaptations
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprises a controller comprising software components for determining the difference between the amount of energy determined by the smart grid agent to be delivered to and from the cluster over a predetermined period of time and the amount of energy measured by the meter actually delivered to the cluster over the predetermined period of time, the controller comprising software components for simulating a virtual smart grid participating device based on the determined difference and for providing the smart grid agent with information based on the determined difference such that the smart grid agent is configured to determine the amount of electrical energy in function of time to be delivered to and from the electrical grid for both the smart grid participating and non-participating devices of the cluster based on information of both the devices of the cluster and the smart grid and such that the difference is reduced.