Assessment of highly distributed power systems using an integrated simulation approach

In a highly distributed power system (HDPS), micro renewable and low carbon technologies would make a significant contribution to the electricity supply. Further, controllable devices such as micro combined heat and power (CHP) could be used to assist in maintaining stability in addition to simply providing heat and power to dwellings. To analyse the behaviour of such a system requires the modelling of both the electrical distribution system and the coupled microgeneration devices in a realistic context. In this paper a pragmatic approach to HDPS modelling is presented: microgeneration devices are simulated using a building simulation tool to generate time-varying power output profiles, which are then replicated and processed statistically so that they can be used as boundary conditions for a load flow simulation; this is used to explore security issues such as under and over voltage, branch thermal overloading, and reverse power flow. Simulations of a section of real network are presented, featuring different penetrations of micro-renewables and micro-CHP within the ranges that are believed to be realistically possible by 2050. This analysis indicates that well-designed suburban networks are likely to be able to accommodate such levels of domestic-scale generation without problems emerging such as overloads or degradation to the quality of supply

Renewable power for lean desktops in media applications

An integration of solar microgeneration to supply a low-power IT desktop, using the Power over Ethernet standards IEEE 802.3af/at as a low power distribution network avoiding transformer losses from DC generation to mains power AC and back to low-voltage DC and hence maximising efficiency. The resulting design points to applications in media technology where reducing grid power consumption is critical for improving sustainability, or where there are supply constraints, and indicates new directions in how we manage and consume power for IT devices

Electricity Network Scenarios for Great Britain in 2050

The next fifty years are likely to see great developments in the technologies deployed in electricity systems, with consequent changes in the structure and operation of power networks. This paper, which forms a chapter in the forthcoming book Future Electricity Technologies and Systems, develops and presents six possible future electricity industry scenarios for Great Britain, focussed on the year 2050. The paper draws upon discussions of important technologies presented by expert authors in other chapters of the book to consider the impact of different combinations of key influences on the nature of the power system in 2050. For each scenario there is a discussion of the effects of the key parameters, with a description and pictorial illustration. Summary tables identify the role of the technologies presented in other chapters of the book, and list important figures of interest, such as the capacity and energy production of renewable generation technologies

IoT-teknologian hyödyntäminen sähköverkko-omaisuuden hallinnassa

Objective of this thesis is to define and assess changes in energy sector, which will directly or indirectly affect distribution grid operation and management in Finland, and to determine measurable events or variables, which enable identification and monitoring of the recognized changes. Based on assessment of the upcoming changes, possibilities for utilizing IoT technologies in management and monitoring applications of the identified changes, are assessed. In the assessment of upcoming changes, total of eight subjects were covered and microgeneration, electric vehicles and heat pumps were identified to be the most probable changes to realistically penetrate Finnish energy sector within a time scope of approximately 10 years. However, none of the assessed, changes, were found to have significant and wide-scale effects in terms of performance of Finnish distribution networks. For utilization of IoT technologies in distribution networks one application for operational grid monitoring of power quality problems derived from residential photovoltaic generation, and three cases for IoT based asset health and condition monitoring were assessed. Furthermore, requirements and architecture for data storage and analysis platform of IoT based system were discussed. From the evaluated applications condition monitoring scheme of circuit breakers was determined to be the most promising alternative.Diplomityön tavoitteena on määritellä ja arvioida energiasektoriin vaikuttavien tulevien muutosten suoria tai epäsuoria vaikutuksia jakeluverkon toimintaan ja hallintaan. Havaittujen muutosten vaikutuksista on tarkoitus tunnistaa mitattavia ilmiöitä tai suureita, jotka mahdollistavat muutosten tunnistamisen sekä seurannan. Muutosanalyysiin pohjautuen tavoitteena on tunnistaa ja arvioida mahdollisuuksia IoT-teknologian hyödyntämiseksi havaittujen muutosten aiheuttamien ongelmakohtien tai mahdollisuuksien tunnistamisessa, seurannassa sekä hallinnassa. Energiasektoriin vaikuttavien muutosten analyysissä arvoitiin kokonaisuudessaan kahdeksaa eri aihealuetta ja lopputuloksena pientuotannon, sähköautojen sekä lämpöpumppujen todettiin olevan todennäköisimmät teknologiat, jotka yleistyvät merkittävissä määrin suomalaisessa sähköverkossa seuraavan kymmenen vuoden aikana. Minkään käsitellyn muutoskohdan ei kuitenkaan todettu aiheuttavan laajamittaisia ja merkittäviä ongelmia jakeluverkon toimintaan. IoT-teknologian hyödyntämiseen jakeluverkkotoiminnassa käsiteltiin yhtä verkon käyttöön ja sähkön laatuun liittyvää sovellusta, jonka avulla hajautetun pienaurinkotuotannon vaikutuksia pystytään seuraamaan, sekä lisäksi kolmeen eri verkkokomponenttiin kohdistuvaa jatkuvan kunnon seurannan sovellusta. Tämän lisäksi IoT-järjestelmän toteuttamiseksi vaadittavalle analyysi- ja tietojärjestelmäalustalle määriteltiin rakenteellisia ja toiminnallisia tarpeita. Työssä käsitellyistä IoT-sovelluksista lupaavimmaksi todettiin katkaisijoihin kohdistuva jatkuvan kunnonhallinnan sovellus

Assessing heat pumps as flexible load

In a future power system featuring significant renewable generation, the ability to manipulate domestic demand through the flexible operation of heat-led technologies such as heat pumps and micro-combined heat and power could be a critical factor in providing a secure and stable supply of electrical energy. Using a simulation-based approach, this study examined the linkage between the thermal characteristics of buildings and the scope for flexibility in the operating times of air source heat pumps. This was assessed against the resulting impact on the end-user’s comfort and convenience. A detached dwelling and flat were modelled in detail along with their heating system in order to determine the temporal shift achievable in the heat pump operating times for present-day and future dwellings. The simulation results indicated that the scope for shifting heat pump operating times in the existing building stock was limited, with time shifts of only 1–2 h achieved before there was a serious impact on the comfort of the occupant. However, if insulation levels were dramatically improved and substantial levels of thermal buffering were added into the heating system, sizable time shifts of up to 6 h were achievable without a significant impact on either space or hot water temperatures

Coordinated and optimized voltage management of distribution networks with multi-microgrids

Tese de doutoramento. Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 201

Sustainable energy projects and the community: mapping single building use of microgeneration technologies in London

Microgeneration technologies offer the potential for distributed energy supply and consumption resulting in reduced reliance on centralised generation. Adoption of microgeneration for use in community settings is usually understood as having a beneficial contribution to sustainable development. This is particularly relevant in urban environments which present specific challenges relating to the heterogeneity of building and land use. Small-scale installations in buildings also appear to offer technological flexibility at the ‘human’ level, necessary for local participation in shaping the direction of sustainable development. This paper reports on a project concerned with identifying on-site energy generation projects in Greater London. A database was compiled comprising renewable and energy efficient microgeneration installations in multi-occupancy buildings. The relationships between each project and its associated organisations are mapped as a social network, which illustrates the heterogeneity of technologies and actors involved, as well as the flows of funding and expertise. The structure of the resulting networks indicates a lack of participation by social or not-for-profit groups who are traditionally identified as community level actors. The findings indicate that large institutional actors on the supply side may become regarded as renewable energy experts. Hence, there is a need to consider how the concept of community level actors in urban microgeneration projects is applicable to local government and commercial organisations

Scenarios for the development of smart grids in the UK: literature review

Smart grids are expected to play a central role in any transition to a low-carbon energy future, and much research is currently underway on practically every area of smart grids. However, it is evident that even basic aspects such as theoretical and operational definitions, are yet to be agreed upon and be clearly defined. Some aspects (efficient management of supply, including intermittent supply, two-way communication between the producer and user of electricity, use of IT technology to respond to and manage demand, and ensuring safe and secure electricity distribution) are more commonly accepted than others (such as smart meters) in defining what comprises a smart grid. It is clear that smart grid developments enjoy political and financial support both at UK and EU levels, and from the majority of related industries. The reasons for this vary and include the hope that smart grids will facilitate the achievement of carbon reduction targets, create new employment opportunities, and reduce costs relevant to energy generation (fewer power stations) and distribution (fewer losses and better stability). However, smart grid development depends on additional factors, beyond the energy industry. These relate to issues of public acceptability of relevant technologies and associated risks (e.g. data safety, privacy, cyber security), pricing, competition, and regulation; implying the involvement of a wide range of players such as the industry, regulators and consumers. The above constitute a complex set of variables and actors, and interactions between them. In order to best explore ways of possible deployment of smart grids, the use of scenarios is most adequate, as they can incorporate several parameters and variables into a coherent storyline. Scenarios have been previously used in the context of smart grids, but have traditionally focused on factors such as economic growth or policy evolution. Important additional socio-technical aspects of smart grids emerge from the literature review in this report and therefore need to be incorporated in our scenarios. These can be grouped into four (interlinked) main categories: supply side aspects, demand side aspects, policy and regulation, and technical aspects.