Patent ID: 7266426
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G05B,G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A control system for a distribution network having a plurality of elements including at least one producer and at least one consumer interconnected by a plurality of distribution lines and at least one switch, wherein the switch governs whether flow can occur between at least two elements, the control system comprising: a plurality of autonomous control units associated with at least some of the elements of the distribution network, wherein the autonomous control units execute at least one stored program and are in communication with each other, wherein the autonomous control units are capable of sensing respective parameters of the respective elements with which the autonomous control units are associated, wherein at least one of the autonomous control units is configured to: determine an occurrence of an anomaly within the distribution network by measuring a first value of one of the parameters at a first time; measuring a second value of the one parameter at a second time that is a predetermined amount of time after the first time; determining at least one of: whether a first difference between the first and second values exceeds a first predetermined threshold; and whether a second difference between third and fourth values that are respectively functionally related to the first and second values exceeds a second predetermined threshold; and communicate with at least one other autonomous control unit to redistribute flow within the distribution network if an anomaly within the distribution network has occurred.