Power quality and electromagnetic compatibility: special report, session 2

The scope of Session 2 (S2) has been defined as follows by the Session Advisory Group and the Technical Committee: Power Quality (PQ), with the more general concept of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and with some related safety problems in electricity distribution systems. Special focus is put on voltage continuity (supply reliability, problem of outages) and voltage quality (voltage level, flicker, unbalance, harmonics). This session will also look at electromagnetic compatibility (mains frequency to 150 kHz), electromagnetic interferences and electric and magnetic fields issues. Also addressed in this session are electrical safety and immunity concerns (lightning issues, step, touch and transferred voltages). The aim of this special report is to present a synthesis of the present concerns in PQ&EMC, based on all selected papers of session 2 and related papers from other sessions, (152 papers in total). The report is divided in the following 4 blocks: Block 1: Electric and Magnetic Fields, EMC, Earthing systems Block 2: Harmonics Block 3: Voltage Variation Block 4: Power Quality Monitoring Two Round Tables will be organised: - Power quality and EMC in the Future Grid (CIGRE/CIRED WG C4.24, RT 13) - Reliability Benchmarking - why we should do it? What should be done in future? (RT 15

Smart grid architecture for rural distribution networks: application to a Spanish pilot network

This paper presents a novel architecture for rural distribution grids. This architecture is designed to modernize traditional rural networks into new Smart Grid ones. The architecture tackles innovation actions on both the power plane and the management plane of the system. In the power plane, the architecture focuses on exploiting the synergies between telecommunications and innovative technologies based on power electronics managing low scale electrical storage. In the management plane, a decentralized management system is proposed based on the addition of two new agents assisting the typical Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system of distribution system operators. Altogether, the proposed architecture enables operators to use more effectively—in an automated and decentralized way—weak rural distribution systems, increasing the capability to integrate new distributed energy resources. This architecture is being implemented in a real Pilot Network located in Spain, in the frame of the European Smart Rural Grid project. The paper also includes a study case showing one of the potentialities of one of the principal technologies developed in the project and underpinning the realization of the new architecture: the so-called Intelligent Distribution Power Router.Postprint (published version

Ancillary Services in Hybrid AC/DC Low Voltage Distribution Networks

In the last decade, distribution systems are experiencing a drastic transformation with the advent of new technologies. In fact, distribution networks are no longer passive systems, considering the current integration rates of new agents such as distributed generation, electrical vehicles and energy storage, which are greatly influencing the way these systems are operated. In addition, the intrinsic DC nature of these components, interfaced to the AC system through power electronics converters, is unlocking the possibility for new distribution topologies based on AC/DC networks. This paper analyzes the evolution of AC distribution systems, the advantages of AC/DC hybrid arrangements and the active role that the new distributed agents may play in the upcoming decarbonized paradigm by providing different ancillary services.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad ENE2017-84813-RUnión Europea (Programa Horizonte 2020) 76409

Smart grid for a sustainable future

Advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and information communication technology (ICT) have facilitated the development of integrated electrical power systems for the future. A recent major issue is the need for a healthy and sustainable power transmission and distribution system that is smart, reliable and climate-friendly. Therefore, at the start of the 21st Century, Government, utilities and research communities are working jointly to develop an intelligent grid system, which is now known as a smart grid. Smart grid will provide highly consistent and reliable services, efficient energy management practices, smart metering integration, automation and precision decision support systems and self healing facilities. Smart grid will also bring benefits of seamless integration of renewable energy sources to the power networks. This paper focuses on the benefits and probable deployment issues of smart grid technology for a sustainable future both nationally and internationally. This paper also investigates the ongoing major research programs in Europe, America and Australia for smart grid and the associated enabling technologies. Finally, this study explores the prospects and characteristics of renewable energy sources with possible deployment integration issues to develop a clean energy smart grid technology for an intelligent power system

Every Moment Counts: Synchrophasors for Distribution Networks with Variable Resources

Chapter 34 in the textbook, "Renewable Energy Integration: Practical Management of Variability, Uncertainty and Flexibility

Integration of wind energy systems into the grid: power quality and technical requirements

The integration of wind energy into the utility network has increased significantly over the past years largely as a result of the increasing environmental concerns arising from the use of fossil fuels, coupled with the anticipated global increase in oil. In South Africa, the wind energy industry is still in its infancy, with the Klipheuwel (about 3.2 MW) and Darling (about 4.2 MW) wind farms being the only grid connected projects in the country. However, grid integration studies carried out in [1] have shown that there are over 7 000 MW potential ideas for wind power in the Western Cape alone and this is a clear indication that there is a growing interest in wind development locally. The Government has also set a 4% target for the development of the renewable energy in the country by 2013. In light of the above, this thesis discusses some of the technical requirements and power quality issues that need to be addressed in order to fully integrate wind power into the network without adversely affecting the operation of the grid. These have been researched through reviewing the various standards and grid codes for wind power that have been implemented in other leading countries, in order to identify some of the requirements that can be adapted to suit our local integration process. Some of the main technical issues that are discussed in this thesis include the strength of the grid (fault levels), permitted penetration levels, choice of wind turbine and the reactive power requirements of the network. All these issues contribute towards the resolution of the impact of wind turbines on the power quality of the network, especially at the point of common coupling or connection (PCC). Various power quality phenomena were discussed in the literature but the ones that were further investigated included the voltage level profile, harmonic distortions as well as reactive power requirements from the wind turbines. These were determined both during the steady operation of the network and during a network disturbance