Voltage Regulation Optimization in Unbalanced Distribution Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for voltage regulation optimization in electricity distribution systems are inadequate for large-scale, meshed, multi-source, multi-phase unbalanced systems, as they rely on simplified models, are computationally inefficient, and fail to account for the complex interactions between voltage and load characteristics, leading to suboptimal energy loss reduction and demand management.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method for voltage regulation optimization that uses a quadratic programming approach to determine optimal tap settings for voltage transformers, incorporating multi-phase unbalanced load flow models and Jacobian matrices to approximate nonlinear quantities, allowing for efficient optimization of energy loss and demand in complex distribution systems, while considering the voltage dependence of loads and transformer connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If simplified models are used for voltage regulation optimization, then the computational complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the accuracy of representing real distribution systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmodel accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex nonlinear optimization problem into a quadratic programming problem by changing the mathematical parameters and formulation. This allows the use of efficient QP solvers while accurately representing real distribution systems with meshed topologies, multi-phase unbalanced conditions, and various transformer connections, thus resolving the contradiction between computational ease and model accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional optimization methods are applied to large-scale distribution systems, then the system scale is increased, but the computational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem scaleVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional iterative optimization methods with a quadratic programming formulation that can be solved using efficient QP algorithms. This substitution enables the handling of large-scale distribution systems with hundreds of nodes and controls while maintaining computational efficiency, as QP solvers have well-established efficient algorithms that scale better than traditional nonlinear optimization approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If voltage reduction is applied to reduce demand, then energy loss is reduced, but the effectiveness deteriorates when loads are constant power type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddemand reduction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optimization strategies to different locations and load types within the distribution system. By considering the specific characteristics of each load (constant impedance vs. constant power) and applying localized voltage adjustments through optimal tap settings, the system achieves effective demand reduction without causing increased losses, as the optimization is tailored to local conditions rather than applying uniform voltage reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If radial topology assumption is made for optimization, then the mathematical model is simplified, but the applicability to real meshed systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel simplicityVSAvoidsystem applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a quadratic programming formulation that is universally applicable to various distribution system configurations including meshed topologies, multi-phase unbalanced systems, and different transformer connections (wye-wye, wye-delta, delta-delta). The model does not require radial topology assumptions and can handle distributed generation, making it universally applicable to real-world distribution systems while maintaining mathematical tractability through the QP framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2362977B1Voltage regulation optimization
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 ABB POWER GRIDS SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP2362977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2362977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2362977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of performing chemical analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming carbide-derived carbon (CDC) material having a plurality of pore size, surface chemistry, and surface electrical properties. An array of the surface functionalized CDCs are used for atmospheric sampling, in which chemicals in the atmosphere are adsorbed on the CDCs. The adsorbed samples are desorbed later for analysis by a plurality of individual mass spectrometers.