Laboratori remot de proteccions elèctriques

Peer Reviewe

Electromechanical modelling and control of a micro-wind generation system for isolated low power DC micro grids

This paper describes the modelling and control of a micro-wind generation system, based on an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), for isolated low power DC micro grids. The system consists of a micro-wind turbine including a furling tail, a PMSG, a three phase diode rectifier and a buck converter connected to a battery bank and a load. Furthermore, it incorporates a control system to extract the maximum power output from the wind turbine using the minimum possible number of sensors. The system is simulated in Matlab/Simulink to analyze the dynamical response and it is compared with the current IT-PE-100.Postprint (published version

Composed Index for the Evaluation of Energy Security in Power Systems within the Frame of Energy Transitions—The Case of Latin America and the Caribbean

Energy transitions are transforming energy systems around the globe. Such a shift has caused the power system to become a critical piece of infrastructure for the economic development of every nation on the planet. Therefore, guaranteeing its security is crucial, not only for energy purposes but also as a part of a national security strategy. This paper presents a multidimensional index developed to assess energy security of electrical systems in the long term. This tool, named the Power System Security Index (PSIx), which has been previously used for the evaluation of a country in two different time frames, is applied to evaluate the member countries of the Latin American Energy Organization, located within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, to measure its performance on energy security. Mixed results were obtained from the analysis, with clear top performers in the region such as Argentina, while there are others with broad areas of opportunity, as is the case of Hait

Local flexibility market design for aggregators providing multiple flexibility services at distribution network level

This paper presents a general description of local flexibility markets as a market-based management mechanism for aggregators. The high penetration of distributed energy resources introduces new flexibility services like prosumer or community self-balancing, congestion management and time-of-use optimization. This work is focused on the flexibility framework to enable multiple participants to compete for selling or buying flexibility. In this framework, the aggregator acts as a local market operator and supervises flexibility transactions of the local energy community. Local market participation is voluntary. Potential flexibility stakeholders are the distribution system operator, the balance responsible party and end-users themselves. Flexibility is sold by means of loads, generators, storage units and electric vehicles. Finally, this paper presents needed interactions between all local market stakeholders, the corresponding inputs and outputs of local market operation algorithms from participants and a case study to highlight the application of the local flexibility market in three scenarios. The local market framework could postpone grid upgrades, reduce energy costs and increase distribution grids’ hosting capacity.Postprint (published version

Review of flux-weakening algorithms to extend the speed range in electric vehicle applications with permanent magnet synchronous machines

This article reviews Flux-Weakening (FW) algorithms for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs), focusing on the automotive sector, especially in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In the past few years, the spread of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has improved the technology of electric machines and their control to achieve more compact and competitive solutions. PMSMs are the most widespread electric machines used in EVs thanks to their high-power density and potential operation at constant power range during high speed. Such high speed implies a high electromotive force. An FW technique is mandatory to reduce the electromagnetic flux generated by the electric machine due to the voltage limits of the traction inverter and the energy source. This article classifies and analyses the state-of-the-art FW control strategies by comparing their main advantages and drawbacks. The Vector Current Control (VCC) method that regulates the modulus of the applied voltage is the most common one in the literature thanks to i) its robustness to parameter modification and model unsureness, ii) low computational complexity, and iii) high dynamic response and control stability.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Probabilistic agent-based model of electric vehicle charging demand to analyse the impact on distribution networks

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have seen significant growth in sales recently and it is not clear how power systems will support the charging of a great number of vehicles. This paper proposes a methodology which allows the aggregated EV charging demand to be determined. The methodology applied to obtain the model is based on an agent-based approach to calculate the EV charging demand in a certain area. This model simulates each EV driver to consider its EV model characteristics, mobility needs, and charging processes required to reach its destination. This methodology also permits to consider social and economic variables. Furthermore, the model is stochastic, in order to consider the random pattern of some variables. The model is applied to Barcelona’s (Spain) mobility pattern and uses the 37-node IEEE test feeder adapted to common distribution grid characteristics from Barcelona. The corresponding grid impact is analyzed in terms of voltage drop and four charging strategies are compared. The case study indicates that the variability in scenarios without control is relevant, but not in scenarios with control. Moreover, the voltages do not reach the minimum voltage allowed, but the MV/LV substations could exceed their capacities. Finally, it is determined that all EVs can charge during the valley without any negative effect on the distribution grid. In conclusion, it is determined that the methodology presented allows the EV charging demand to be calculated, considering different variables, to obtain better accuracy in the results.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Pareto optimal reconfiguration of power distribution systems using a genetic algorithm based on NSGA-II

Reconfiguration, by exchanging the functional links between the elements of the system, represents one of the most important measures which can improve the operational performance of a distribution system. The authors propose an original method, aiming at achieving such optimization through the reconfiguration of distribution systems taking into account various criteria in a flexible and robust approach. The novelty of the method consists in: the criteria for optimization are evaluated on active power distribution systems (containing distributed generators connected directly to the main distribution system and microgrids operated in grid-connected mode); the original formulation (Pareto optimality) of the optimization problem and an original genetic algorithm (based on NSGA-II) to solve the problem in a non-prohibitive execution time. The comparative tests performed on test systems have demonstrated the accuracy and promptness of the proposed algorithm.Postprint (published version

Centralized flexibility services for distribution system operators through distributed flexible resources

Under the context of smart grids within smart cities, increasing distributed generation, consumer empowerment and emerging flexibility services, distribution system operators could benefit by activating flexibility in distribution grids to avoid deploying new infrastructures and grid overloading. The solution offered by this work is an energy management system algorithm capable of activating flexibility behind the prosumer main meter during constrained periods. Therefore, the distribution system operator could compensate grid congestion during high consumption or production periods and increase their renewable generation hosting capacity by using behind-the-meter flexibility during peak production periods.Postprint (published version

Study of optimization design criteria for stand-alone hybrid renewable power systems

Hybrid renewable power systems integrate two or more sources of energy, one of which is renewable, optionally a storage system and typically work in stand-alone mode. They are being considered more and more and we should increment their usage taking advantage of their positive benefits: free of charge resource availability, CO2 emissions reductions and subsidies. Dealing with their inconveniences: variability of renewable resources availability and cost acquisition, through the optimization of the design and the control of the system. The optimal design of hybrid renewable power systems is usually defined by economic criteria. But there are also technical and environmental criteria to be taken into account to improve decision-making. In this paper a discussion on different criteria will introduce the non-economical perspectives in addition to the economic criteria. A case study of a PV-Wind-Diesel-Battery system for a Telecommunication station in Catalonia is discussed. Availability of renewable energy sources is obtained with RETScreen and PVSyst. Analysis and simulations of various hybrid power systems have been done in HOMER resulting on a comparison of different scenarios. Optimal scenario taking into account the best results of all three types of criteria: economic, technical and environmental, is a trade-off of the economic optimum.Postprint (published version