Energy storage systems and grid code requirements for large-scale renewables integration in insular grids

This thesis addresses the topic of energy storage systems supporting increased penetration of renewables in insular systems. An overview of energy storage management, forecasting tools and demand side solutions is carried out, comparing the strategic utilization of storage and other competing strategies. Particular emphasis is given to energy storage systems on islands, as a new contribution to earlier studies, addressing their particular requirements, the most appropriate technologies and existing operating projects throughout the world. Several real-world case studies are presented and discussed in detail. Lead-acid battery design parameters are assessed for energy storage applications on insular grids, comparing different battery models. The wind curtailment mitigation effect by means of energy storage resources is also explored. Grid code requirements for large-scale integration of renewables are discussed in an island context, as another new contribution to earlier studies. The current trends on grid code formulation, towards an improved integration of distributed renewable resources in island systems, are addressed. Finally, modeling and control strategies with energy storage systems are addressed. An innovative energy management technique to be used in the day-ahead scheduling of insular systems with Vanadium Redox Flow battery is presented.Esta tese aborda a temática dos sistemas de armazenamento de energia visando o aumento da penetração de energias renováveis em sistemas insulares. Uma visão geral é apresentada acerca da gestão do armazenamento de energia, ferramentas de previsão e soluções do lado da procura de energia, comparando a utilização estratégica do armazenamento e outras estratégias concorrentes. É dada ênfase aos sistemas de armazenamento de energia em ilhas, como uma nova contribuição no estado da arte, abordando as suas necessidades específicas, as tecnologias mais adequadas e os projetos existentes e em funcionamento a nível mundial. Vários casos de estudos reais são apresentados e discutidos em detalhe. Parâmetros de projeto de baterias de chumbo-ácido são avaliados para aplicações de armazenamento de energia em redes insulares, comparando diferentes modelos de baterias. O efeito de redução do potencial de desperdício de energia do vento, recorrendo ao armazenamento de energia, também é perscrutado. As especificidades subjacentes aos códigos de rede para a integração em larga escala de energias renováveis são discutidas em contexto insular, sendo outra nova contribuição no estado da arte. As tendências atuais na elaboração de códigos de rede, no sentido de uma melhor integração da geração distribuída renovável em sistemas insulares, são abordadas. Finalmente, é estudada a modelação e as estratégias de controlo com sistemas de armazenamento de energia. Uma metodologia de gestão de energia inovadora é apresentada para a exploração de curto prazo de sistemas insulares com baterias de fluxo Vanádio Redox

Methodologies for Frequency Stability Assessment in Low Inertia Power Systems

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

Restoration of an active MV distribution grid with a battery ESS: A real case study

In order to improve power system operation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) have been installed in high voltage/medium voltage stations by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) around the world. Support for restoration of MV distribution networks after a blackout or HV interruption is among the possible new functionalities of BESSs. With the aim to improve quality of service, the present paper investigates whether a BESS, installed in the HV/MV substation, can improve the restoration process indicators of a distribution grid. As a case study, an actual active distribution network of e-distribuzione, the main Italian DSO, has been explored. The existing network is located in central Italy. It supplies two municipalities of approximately 10,000 inhabitants and includes renewable generation plants. Several configurations are considered, based on: the state of the grid at blackout time; the BESS state of charge; and the involvement of Dispersed Generation (DG) in the restoration process. Three restoration plans (RPs) have been defined, involving the BESS alone, or in coordination with DG. A MATLAB®/Simulink® program has been designed to simulate the restoration process in each configuration and restoration plan. The results show that the BESS improves restoration process quality indicators in different simulated configurations, allowing the operation in controlled island mode of parts of distribution grids, during interruptions or blackout conditions. The defined restoration plans set the priority and the sequence of controlled island operations of parts of the grid to ensure a safe and better restoration. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that a BESS can be a valuable element towards an improved restoration procedure

Emerging Technologies for the Energy Systems of the Future

Energy systems are transiting from conventional energy systems to modernized and smart energy systems. This Special Issue covers new advances in the emerging technologies for modern energy systems from both technical and management perspectives. In modern energy systems, an integrated and systematic view of different energy systems, from local energy systems and islands to national and multi-national energy hubs, is important. From the customer perspective, a modern energy system is required to have more intelligent appliances and smart customer services. In addition, customers require the provision of more useful information and control options. Another challenge for the energy systems of the future is the increased penetration of renewable energy sources. Hence, new operation and planning tools are required for hosting renewable energy sources as much as possible

Design of a hybrid wind-electric vehicles power plant model fleet model for ancillary services provision in Bornholm

As part of the ongoing European project "Insulae", this thesis analyses the effects of power regulation in an HPP composed of three wind turbines installed in Kalby and an aggregation of EVs in the testbed of the Danish island of Bornholm. A selected model of the Bornholm power system with a focus on the substation of Ã…kirkeby is utilized to perform simulations in DIgSILENT's software PowerFactory (PF) environment. Detailed EV fleet model and related controllers need to be designed

Optimal Management of an Integrated Electric Vehicle Charging Station under Weather Impacts

The focus of this Dissertation is on developing an optimal management of what is called the “Integrated Electric Vehicle Charging Station” (IEVCS) comprising the charging stations for the Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), renewable (solar) power generation resources, and fixed battery energy storage in the buildings. The reliability and availability of the electricity supply caused by severe weather elements are affecting utility customers with such integrated facilities. The proposed management approach allows such a facility to be coordinated to mitigate the potential impact of weather condition on customers electricity supply, and to provide warnings for the customers and utilities to prepare for the potential electricity supply loss. The risk assessment framework can be used to estimate and mitigate such impacts. With proper control of photovoltaic (PV) generation, PEVs with mobile battery storage and fixed energy storage, customers’ electricity demand could be potentially more flexible, since they can choose to charge the vehicles when the grid load demand is light, and stop charging or even supply energy back to the grid or buildings when the grid load demand is high. The PV generation capacity can be used to charge the PEVs, fixed battery energy storage system (BESS) or supply power to the grid. Such increased demand flexibility can enable the demand response providers with more options to respond to electricity price changes. The charging stations integration and interfacing can be optimized to minimize the operational cost or support several utility applications

GRID STABILITY IMPROVEMENT BY RES-BASED GENERATORS AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS IN SMALL ISLANDS

The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) with power electronics interface to the grid, without the back-up of rotating inertia, endangers frequency stability. This issue becomes particularly critical in isolated power systems, like those of small islands not supplied by the main grid, in the case of high shares of production from unpredictable renewables such as photovoltaic and wind sources. Consequently, to preserve the security and the reliability of these systems, it is necessary to adopt new frequency adjustments mechanisms. In this context, the thesis investigates the transition toward an economically and technically feasible generating system based on RES, to achieve specific decarbonisation targets in two Italian small islands, proposing solutions for preserving grid stability. The optimal energy mix characterised by the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy is evaluated for both Lampedusa and Pantelleria islands (two Italian islands in the Mediterranean Sea), and then a frequency stability analysis is performed showing that, in some operating conditions, the island power systems are no more stable due to the inertia reduction caused by RES. Two solutions are hence proposed: the use of suitable Voltage Source Converters (VSC) for RES interface based on a Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) coupled to a traditional Cascaded Current Control (CCC) and the use of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) able to provide virtual inertia (VI) response. The first aim of the thesis is to show how much important is to consider stability issues in the decarbonisation process of small islands. The second aim is to propose feasible solutions for facing this issue. The thesis's main contribution is the novelty of the proposed study, based on real data provided by the two small island utilities and analysing real scenarios of RES penetration in the two grids. The study results provide precious information for fostering the transition of the two islands towards green smart grid structures

New methods for Frequency Signal Modelling and Impact Evaluation of New Resources

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen