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

Impact of operation strategies of large scale battery systems on distribution grid planning in Germany

Due to the increasing penetration of fluctuating distributed generation electrical grids require reinforcement, in order to secure a grid operation in accordance with given technical specifications. This grid reinforcement often leads to over-dimensioning of the distribution grids. Therefore, traditional and recent advances in distribution grid planning are analysed and possible alternative applications with large scale battery storage systems are reviewed. The review starts with an examination of possible revenue streams along the value chain of the German electricity market. The resulting operation strategies of the two most promising business cases are discussed in detail, and a project overview in which these strategies are applied is presented. Finally, the impact of the operation strategies are assessed with regard to distribution grid planning.Postprint (author's final draft

Photovoltaic Power Converter Management in Unbalanced Low Voltage Networks with Ancillary Services Support

TEC2016-77632-C3-1-R (AEI/FEDER, UE) Sem PDF conforme despacho.The proliferation of residential photovoltaic (PV) prosumers leads to detrimental impacts on the low-voltage (LV) distribution network operation such as reverse power flow, voltage fluctuations and voltage imbalances. This is due to the fact that the strategies for the PV inverters are usually designed to obtain the maximum energy from the panels. The most recent approach to these issues involves new inverter-based solutions. This paper proposes a novel comprehensive control strategy for the power electronic converters associated with PV installations to improve the operational performance of a four-wire LV distribution network. The objectives are to try to balance the currents demanded by consumers and to compensate the reactive power demanded by them at the expense of the remaining converters’ capacity. The strategy is implemented in each consumer installation, constituting a decentralized or distributed control and allowing its practical implementation based on local measurements. The algorithms were tested, in a yearly simulation horizon, on a typical Portuguese LV network to verify the impact of the high integration of the renewable energy sources in the network and the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.publishersversionpublishe

Planning Tools for the Integration of Renewable Energy Sources Into Low- and Medium-Voltage Distribution Grids

This chapter presents two probabilistic planning tools developed for the long-term analysis of distribution networks. The first one focuses on the low-voltage (LV) level and the second one addresses the issues occurring in the medium-voltage (MV) grid. Both tools use Monte Carlo algorithms in order to simulate the distribution network, taking into account the stochastic nature of the loading parameters at its nodes. Section 1 introduces the probabilistic framework that focuses on the analysis of LV feeders with distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation using quarter-hourly smart metering data of load and generation at each node of a feeder. This probabilistic framework is evaluated by simulating a real LV feeder in Belgium considering its actual loading parameters and components. In order to demonstrate the interest of the presented framework for the distribution system operators (DSOs), the same feeder is then simulated considering future scenarios of higher PV integration as well as the application of mitigation solutions (reactive power control, P/V droop control thanks to a local management of PV inverters, etc.) to actual LV network operational issues arising from the integration of distributed PV generation. Section 2 introduces the second planning tool designed to help the DSO, making the best investment for alleviating the MV-network stressed conditions. Practically, this tool aims at finding the optimal positioning and sizing of the devices designed to improve the operation of the distribution grid. Then a centralized control of these facilities is implemented in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The simulation is carried out under various load and generation profiles, while the evaluation criteria of the methodology are the probabilities of voltage violation, the presence of congestions and the total line losses

PRZEGLĄD METOD REGULACJI NAPIĘCIA W SIECIACH ELEKTROENERGETYCZNYCH NISKIEGO NAPIĘCIA Z DUŻYM UDZIAŁEM GENERACJI ROZPROSZONEJ

Deterioration of voltage conditions is one of the frequent consequences of connecting an increasing number of photovoltaic sources to the low-voltage (LV) power grid. Under adverse conditions, i.e. low energy consumption and high insolation, microgeneration can cause voltage surges that violate acceptable limits. Research shows that the increase in voltage is the main limitation for connecting new energy microsources to the LV network and forces the reconstruction of the network. An alternative to costly modernizations can be the implementation of appropriate strategies for controlling network operation to maintain the voltage at the required level. The article presents an overview of the methods and concepts of voltage control in a low-voltage network developed so far to mitigate the undesirable phenomenon of voltage boosting. The focus was mainly on local methods—not requiring communication infrastructure—as best suited to the conditions of Polish distribution networks. Gathering the results of many tests and simulations carried out in different conditions and on different models allowed for the formulation of general conclusions and can be a starting point for further research on a control method that can be widely used in the national power system.Jedną z częstych konsekwencji przyłączania do sieci elektroenergetycznej niskiego napięcia (nn) coraz większej liczby źródeł fotowoltaicznych jest pogorszenie warunków napięciowych. W niesprzyjających warunkach – przy niskim poborze energii i wysokim nasłonecznieniu – mikrogeneracja może powodować podskoki napięcia przekraczające dopuszczalne granice. Badania pokazują, że wzrost napięcia stanowi podstawowe ograniczenie dla przyłączania nowych mikroźródeł energii do sieci nn i wymusza przebudowę sieci. Alternatywą dla kosztownych modernizacji może być wdrożenie odpowiednich strategii sterowania pracą sieci pozwalających utrzymać napięcie na wymaganym poziomie. W artykule zaprezentowano przegląd opracowanych dotychczas metod i koncepcji regulacji napięcia w sieci nn mających na celu opanowanie niepożądanego zjawiska podbicia napięcia. Skupiono się głównie na metodach lokalnych – nie wymagających do prawidłowego działania infrastruktury komunikacyjnej – jako najlepiej przystosowanych do warunków polskich sieci dystrybucyjnych. Zebranie wyników badań i symulacji, przeprowadzonych przy różnych założeniach i na różnych modelach, pozwoliło na sformułowanie ogólnych wniosków i może stanowić punkt wyjścia do dalszych badań nad metodą sterowania mogącą znaleźć szerokie zastosowanie w krajowym systemie elektroenergetycznym