Provision of voltage ancillary services through enhanced TSO-DSO interaction and aggregated distributed energy resources

The electrical energy generated from renewable energy resources connected to transmission and distribution systems and the displacement of synchronous generators continues to grow. This presages a paradigm-shift away from the traditional provision of ancillary services, essential to ensure a robust system, from transmission-connected synchronous generators towards provision from synchronous and non-synchronous generation (including distribution-connected resources). Given that the available resources at the disposal of system operators are continuously increasing, the flexibility for operating the network can be enlarged. In this context, this paper introduces a dedicated voltage ancillary services strategy for provision of reactive power. A main feature of the proposed strategy is that it is technology-neutral, unlike existing ones that are focused on synchronous generators. The system need for voltage stability is placed at the core of this strategy, which is translated into a requirement for reactive power provision. The proposed strategy achieves, through the combined utilization of distributed generation and traditional resources, to defer the investments in reactive compensating equipment. Dynamic and transient studies are conducted to demonstrate the technical benefits of the strategy, while its practical feasibility is also validated through hardware-in-the-loop testing

Virtual Power Plant Concepts for Ancillary Market - Demonstration, Development, and Validation

The increased penetration of distributed energy resources and renewables open up issues in power systems as a whole. Chapter 1 discusses these issues, and highlights the literature solutions. The concept of VPP is highlighted, different options are explored, and the use of VPP is motivated. The chapter further discusses different ancillary services, with both technical and market perspectives. It makes a clear demarcation amongst transmission and distribution level VPPs, and their economic and technical aspects. Different components within VPP are also highlighted in this chapter. The models of VPP, based on SGAM, are presented in Chapter 2, with detailed test cases. The models characterize VPP as an aggregator at TSO, VPP as DER-Aggregator/DERMS at DSO-DMS, and VPP as business case for flexibility to DSO-DMS. It includes the VPP actors, their characteristics, and a compact architecture based on SGAM. It further splits VPP participants in different software: MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT, and LabVIEW for defined test cases. These are further elaborated in detail in the next chapters, and all are discussed w.r.t regulatory, technical, and economic aspects. Chapter 3 co-simulates VPP-DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management System as a Virtual Power Plant) based customers' DR through LabVIEW. It develops interface to customers' meters for reactive power visibility, and then develops a HMI and recording tool at VPP controller. The performance of the tool is analyzed in the chapter, which is in fact the modeling of Modbus based customers' interaction for reactive power. Chapter 4 co-simulates effects of DER on a distribution grid in DIgSILENT. A distribution grid is modelled in DIgSILENT, and then DERs are added to the network. Node voltages and line loading are analyzed in the absence and presence of unplanned DERs. Then the network is seen from two perspectives \u2013 flexibility that can be provided to TSO with STATCOM at transmission node, and flexibility that can be provided to DSO with planned DGs at distribution node. Chapter 5 co-simulates storage model in MATLAB/Simulink. It starts with the techno-economic analysis of potential storage systems, and then to realize the storage model for simulation. The model of selected storage system is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, and then a explicit service test case is developed within VPP-aggregator to analyze the flexibility margin by storage. Next step is the integration of these co-simulators within different service platform levels. The objective of Chapter 6 is to develop an interface amongst co-simulators to simulate the VPP chain. At first step, the co-simulators are realized within tags: wind farm tags are created in DIgSILENT, customers' based tags are built in LabVIEW, and storage tags are located inside MATLAB/Simulink. Then communication amongst the co-interfaces is done by the development of Matrikon OPC server and explorer platform. The master platform is implemented in LabVIEW-RT tool. Then test cases are defined for the validation of platform, which is performed in Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is dedicated to the validation of the formulated VPPs \u2013 DERMS, business VPP, and aggregator. DERMS based model is validated within DIgSILENT, by using a portion of the Italian distribution grid. Aggregator based model is validated within DIgSILENT, by using the IEEE 9 bus transmission test model. Business VPP model is validated using IEC 61850 compliant feature of DIgSILENT for the same distribution grid in a translational manner. The validated VPP is used as an application for power system reliability, which is presented in Chapter 8. It describes the conventional schemes for power system protection, and the issues with DER penetration. It then models a VPP, and verifies its functionality for power system protection. Chapter 9 concludes the thesis

Future electricity market structure to ensure large volume of RES

The article define set of rules for future Electricity market structure, taking into account network codes, legislation and directives to ensure RES integration targets and Energy Union Dimensions in term of a fully integrated internal energy market and transition to a long lasting low-carbon society. Presented research studies are based on new way of power system operation development, namely Web-of-cell concept, of FP7 IRP ELECTRA. It’s aiming to ensure conceptual E-market design and future power system 2030+ control solutions

Future electricity market structure to ensure large volume of RES

The article define set of rules for future Electricity market structure, taking into account network codes, legislation and directives to ensure RES integration targets and Energy Union Dimensions in term of a fully integrated internal energy market and transition to a long lasting low-carbon society. Presented research studies are based on new way of power system operation development, namely Web-of-cell concept, of FP7 IRP ELECTRA. It’s aiming to ensure conceptual E-market design and future power system 2030+ control solutions

Ancillary Services Market Design in Distribution Networks: Review and Identification of Barriers

The high proliferation of converter-dominated Distributed Renewable Energy Sources (DRESs) at the distribution grid level has gradually replaced the conventional synchronous generators (SGs) of the transmission system, resulting in emerging stability and security challenges. The inherent characteristics of the SGs are currently used for providing ancillary services (ASs), following the instructions of the Transmission System Operator, while the DRESs are obliged to o er specific system support functions, without being remunerated for these functions, but only for the energy they inject. This changing environment has prompted the integration of energy storage systems as a solution for transfusing new characteristics and elaborating their business in the electricity markets, while the smart grid infrastructure and the upcoming microgrid architectures contribute to the transformation of the distribution grid. This review investigates the existing ASs in transmission system with the respective markets (emphasizing the DRESs’ participation in these markets) and proposes new ASs at distribution grid level, with emphasis to inertial response, active power ramp rate control, frequency response, voltage regulation, fault contribution and harmonic mitigation. The market tools and mechanisms for the procurement of these ASs are presented evolving the existing role of the Operators. Finally, potential barriers in the technical, regulatory, and financial framework have been identified and analyzed.Unión Europea (Programa Horizonte 2020) 76409

A review on economic and technical operation of active distribution systems

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Along with the advent of restructuring in power systems, considerable integration of renewable energy resources has motivated the transition of traditional distribution networks (DNs) toward new active ones. In the meanwhile, rapid technology advances have provided great potentials for future bulk utilization of generation units as well as the energy storage (ES) systems in the distribution section. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the operation of active distribution systems (ADSs) from the viewpoint of operational time-hierarchy. To be more specific, this time-hierarchy consists of two stages, and at the first stage of this time-hierarchy, four major economic factors, by which the operation of traditional passive DNs is evolved to new active DNs, are described. Then the second stage of the time-hierarchy refers to technical management and power quality correction of ADSs in terms of static, dynamic and transient periods. In the end, some required modeling and control developments for the optimal operation of ADSs are discussed. As opposed to previous review papers, potential applications of devices in the ADS are investigated considering their operational time-intervals. Since some of the compensating devices, storage units and generating sources may have different applications regarding the time scale of their utilization, this paper considers real scenario system operations in which components of the network are firstly scheduled for the specified period ahead; then their deviations of operating status from reference points are modified during three time-intervals covering static, dynamic and transient periods

Control of Solar Photovoltaic (PhV) Power Generation In Grid-connected and Islanded Microgrids

With the ever increasing electricity demand, fast depletion of fossil fuel and the growing trend towards renewable energy resources, the integration of green distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar photovoltaic (PhV) generation and wind power in the utility grid is gaining high popularity in the present years. The capability of these modular generators needs to be harnessed properly in order to achieve the maximum benefit out of such integrated systems. Most DERs are connected to the utility grid or microgrids with the help of power electronics interface. They are capable of producing both active and reactive power with the proper control of the inverter interface. This dissertation focuses on examination of the capability of the renewable energy based DERs, such as solar PhV array and battery energy storage system (BESS) in providing voltage support in grid connected low-voltage microgrids and both voltage and frequency support in islanded microgrids. In addition, active and reactive (a.k.a. nonactive) power control capability of the PhV generators to supply the local loads assigned by the microgrid central operator in grid connected mode is also investigated. The control methods are developed by using a Proportional and Integral (PI) controller. A new method of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of solar array including the MPPT at solar PhV array side and a new control method of transferring this MPP power to the inverter side insuring the DC voltage stability by using the concept of power balance at various conversion stages is proposed and studied. The dissertation also proposes a new coordinated control method for voltage and frequency regulation of microgrid with solar PhV generator operating at MPP and backed up by battery energy storage systems. A coordinated active and reactive power control for solar PhV generator with MPPT control and battery storage is also proposed and investigated. Various case studies are presented to validate the proposed methods. The simulation results clearly prove the effectiveness of the proposed control method

Voltage Rise Problem in Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation: A Review of Technologies, Impact and Mitigation Approaches

Energy demand has constantly been on the rise due to aggressive industrialization and civilization. This rise in energy demand results in the massive penetration of distributed generation (DG) in the distribution network (DN) which has been a holistic approach to enhance the capacity of distribution networks. However, this has led to a number of issues in the low voltage network, one of which is the voltage rise problem. This happens when generation exceeds demand thereby causing reverse power flow and consequently leading to overvoltage. A number of methods have been discussed in the literature to overcome this challenge ranging from network augmentation to active management of the distribution networks. This paper discusses the issue of voltage rise problem and its impact on distribution networks with high amounts of distributed energy resources (DERs). It presents different DG technologies such as those based on conventional and unconventional resources and other DERs such as battery storage systems and fuel cells. The study provides a comprehensive overview of approaches employed to curtail the issue of voltage increase at the point of common coupling (PCC), which includes strategies based on the network reinforcement methodology and the active distribution network management. A techno-economic comparison is then introduced in the paper to ascertain the similarities and dissimilarities of different mitigation approaches based on the technology involved, ease of deployment, cost implication, and their pros and cons. The paper provides insights into directions for future research in mitigating the impact of voltage rise presented by grid-connected DGs without limiting their increased penetration in the existing power grid