Dynamic Simulations of Combined Transmission and Distribution Systems using Parallel Processing Techniques

peer reviewedSimulating a power system with both transmission and distribution networks modeled in detail is a huge computational challenge. In this paper, we propose a Schur-complement-based domain decomposition algorithm to provide accurate, detailed dynamic simulations of the combined system. The simulation procedure is accelerated with the use of parallel programming techniques, taking advantage of the parallelization opportunities inherent in domain decomposition algorithms. The proposed algorithm is general, portable and scalable on inexpensive, shared-memory, multicore machines. A large-scale test system is used for its performance evaluation

Parallel Computing and Localization Techniques for Faster Power System Dynamic Simulations

Dynamic simulation studies are used to analyze the behavior of power systems after a disturbance has occurred. This type of simulation is essential when the system is operating close to its stability limits or its behavior is dictated by complex control and protection schemes modifying its trajectory. These simulations can be computationally very demanding, especially if performed over a time interval of several minutes. In this paper, new shared- memory parallel computing techniques to increase the performance of large-scale power system dynamic simulations are described. The algorithms presented achieve this by utilizing the parallel processing resources available in modern, inexpensive, multi-core machines. In addition, the localized response of power systems after a disturbance is exploited to further accelerate simulations without decreasing accuracy. The medium-scale model of a real power system and a realistic large-scale test system have been used for the performance evaluation of the proposed methods.Peer reviewe

Inertia-Aware Microgrid Investment Planning Using Tractable Decomposition Algorithms

The integration of the frequency dynamics into Micro-Grid (MG) investment and operational planning problems is vital in ensuring the security of the system in the post-contingency states. However, the task of including transient security constraints in MG planning problems is non-trivial. This is due to the highly non-linear and non-convex nature of the analytical closed form of the frequency metrics (e.g., frequency nadir) and power flow constraints. To handle this issue, this paper presents two algorithms for decomposing the MG investment planning problem into multiple levels to enhance computational tractability and optimality. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the decisions made at each level is captured by corresponding dual cutting planes to model feasible secure regions. This, in turn, ensures both the optimal determination and placement of inertia services and accelerates the convergence of the proposed decomposition algorithms. The efficient and effective performance of the proposed algorithms is tested and verified on an 18-bus Low Voltage (LV) network and a 30-bus Medium Voltage (MV) network under various operating scenarios

A hybrid approach for planning and operating active distribution grids

This paper investigates the planning and operational processes of modern distribution networks (DNs) hosting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). While in the past the two aspects have been distinct, a methodology is proposed in this paper to co-optimize the two phases by considering the operational flexibility offered by DERs already in the planning phase. By employing AC Optimal Power Flow (OPF) to analyse the worst-case forecasts for the load and distributed generator (DG) injection, the optimal set-points for the DERs are determined such that the network's security is ensured. From these results, the optimized individual characteristic curves are then extracted for each DER which are used in the operational phase for the local control of the devices. The optimized controls use only local measurements to address system-wide issues and emulate the OPF solution without any communication. Finally, the proposed methodology is tested on the Cigre LV benchmark grid confirming that it is successful in mitigating with acceptable violations over- and under-voltage problems, as well as congestion issues. Its performance is compared against the OPF-based approach and currently employed local control schemes

Modeling Framework and Coordination of DER and Flexible Loads for Ancillary Service Provision

Distributed energy resources and demand-response initiatives are expected to increase the flexibility of future power systems. This paper presents new models of individual photovoltaic systems, batteries, and thermostatically controlled loads that can be used to propose and validate new coordination schemes. Unlike previous works that focus on aggregate representations, these models make it possible to represent more accurately the capabilities and limitations of these resources. For demonstration purposes, the paper proposes a new coordination scheme that employs signals to individual units without having full information of their actual conditions. This low-cost scheme is able to steer the distributed units towards the desired operation. It is expected that mature versions of this type of coordinators will provide new tools and measures for system operators to face abnormal system conditions without high investment costs

DISTRIBUTED MODEL-FREE CONTROL OF PHOTOVOLTAIC UNITS FOR MITIGATING OVERVOLTAGES IN LOW-VOLTAGE NETWORKS

ABSTRAC

Wide-area oscillation damping in low-inertia grids under time-varying communication delays

Wide-Area Control (WAC) can be efficiently used for oscillation damping in power systems. However, to implement a WAC, a communication network is required to transmit signals between the generation units and the control center. In turn, this makes WAC vulnerable to time-varying communication delays that, if not appropriately considered in the control design, can destabilize the system. Moreover, with the increasing integration of renewable energy resources into the grid, usually interfaced via power electronics, power system dynamics are becoming drastically faster and making WAC more vulnerable to communication delays. In this paper, we propose a design procedure for a delay-robust wide-area oscillation damping controller for low-inertia systems. Its performance is illustrated on the well-known Kundur two-area system. The results indicate that the obtained WAC successfully improves the oscillation damping while ensuring robustness against time-varying communication delays