12,486 research outputs found
Increasing Distributed Generation Penetration using Soft Normally-Open Points
This paper considers the effects of various voltage control solutions on facilitating an increase in allowable levels of distributed generation installation before voltage violations occur. In particular, the voltage control solution that is focused on is the implementation of `soft' normally-open points (SNOPs), a term which refers to power electronic devices installed in place of a normally-open point in a medium-voltage distribution network which allows for control of real and reactive power flows between each end point of its installation sites. While other benefits of SNOP installation are discussed, the intent of this paper is to determine whether SNOPs are a viable alternative to other voltage control strategies for this particular application. As such, the SNOPs ability to affect the voltage profile along feeders within a distribution system is focused on with other voltage control options used for comparative purposes. Results from studies on multiple network models with varying topologies are presented and a case study which considers economic benefits of increasing feasible DG penetration is also given
Chance-Constrained ADMM Approach for Decentralized Control of Distributed Energy Resources
Distribution systems are undergoing a dramatic transition from a passive
circuit that routinely disseminates electric power among downstream nodes to
the system with distributed energy resources. The distributed energy resources
come in a variety of technologies and typically include photovoltaic (PV)
arrays, thermostatically controlled loads, energy storage units. Often these
resources are interfaced with the system via inverters that can adjust active
and reactive power injections, thus supporting the operational performance of
the system. This paper designs a control policy for such inverters using the
local power flow measurements. The control actuates active and reactive power
injections of the inverter-based distributed energy resources. This strategy is
then incorporated into a chance-constrained, decentralized optimal power flow
formulation to maintain voltage levels and power flows within their limits and
to mitigate the volatility of (PV) resources
Options for Control of Reactive Power by Distributed Photovoltaic Generators
High penetration levels of distributed photovoltaic(PV) generation on an
electrical distribution circuit present several challenges and opportunities
for distribution utilities. Rapidly varying irradiance conditions may cause
voltage sags and swells that cannot be compensated by slowly responding utility
equipment resulting in a degradation of power quality. Although not permitted
under current standards for interconnection of distributed generation,
fast-reacting, VAR-capable PV inverters may provide the necessary reactive
power injection or consumption to maintain voltage regulation under difficult
transient conditions. As side benefit, the control of reactive power injection
at each PV inverter provides an opportunity and a new tool for distribution
utilities to optimize the performance of distribution circuits, e.g. by
minimizing thermal losses. We discuss and compare via simulation various design
options for control systems to manage the reactive power generated by these
inverters. An important design decision that weighs on the speed and quality of
communication required is whether the control should be centralized or
distributed (i.e. local). In general, we find that local control schemes are
capable for maintaining voltage within acceptable bounds. We consider the
benefits of choosing different local variables on which to control and how the
control system can be continuously tuned between robust voltage control,
suitable for daytime operation when circuit conditions can change rapidly, and
loss minimization better suited for nighttime operation.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure
Can Distribution Grids Significantly Contribute to Transmission Grids' Voltage Management?
Power generation in Germany is currently transitioning from a system based on
large, central, thermal power plants to one that heavily relies on small,
decentral, mostly renewable power generators. This development poses the
question how transmission grids' reactive power demand for voltage management,
covered by central power plants today, can be supplied in the future.
In this work, we estimate the future technical potential of such an approach
for the whole of Germany. For a 100% renewable electricity scenario we set the
possible reactive power supply in comparison with the reactive power
requirements that are needed to realize the simulated future transmission grid
power flows. Since an exact calculation of distribution grids' reactive power
potential is difficult due to the unavailability of detailed grid models on
such scale, we optimistically estimate the potential by assuming a scaled,
averaged distribution grid model connected to each of the transmission grid
nodes.
We find that for all except a few transmission grid nodes, the required
reactive power can be fully supplied from the modeled distribution grids. This
implies that - even if our estimate is overly optimistic - distributed reactive
power provisioning will be a technical solution for many future reactive power
challenges
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