Optimization of the operation of smart rural grids through a novel rnergy management system

The paper proposes an innovative Energy Management System (EMS) that optimizes the grid operation based on economic and technical criteria. The EMS inputs the demand and renewable generation forecasts, electricity prices and the status of the distributed storages through the network, and solves with an optimal quarter-hourly dispatch for controllable resources. The performance of the EMS is quantified through diverse proposed metrics. The analyses were based on a real rural grid from the European FP7 project Smart Rural Grid. The performance of the EMS has been evaluated through some scenarios varying the penetration of distributed generation. The obtained results demonstrate that the inclusion of the EMS from both a technical point of view and an economic perspective for the adopted grid is justified. At the technical level, the inclusion of the EMS permits us to significantly increase the power quality in weak and radial networks. At the economic level and from a certain threshold value in renewables’ penetration, the EMS reduces the energy costs for the grid participants, minimizing imports from the external grid and compensating the toll to be paid in the form of the losses incurred by including additional equipment in the network (i.e., distributed storage).Postprint (published version

Techno-economic comparison of a schedule-based and a forecast-based control strategy for residential photovoltaic storage systems in Germany

Postprint (published version

Electricity: A new open access journal

Electricity has fascinated humans since the early days [...

Planning and operation objectives of public electric vehicle charging infrastructures: a review

Planning public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has gradually become a key factor in the electrification of mobility and decarbonization of the transport sector. In order to achieve a high level of electrification in mobility, in recent years, different studies have been presented, proposing novel practices and methodologies for the planning and operation of electric vehicles charging infrastructure. In this paper, the authors present an up-to-date analysis of the existing literature in this research field, organized by considering the perspectives and objectives of the principal actors/operators of the EV public charging infrastructure value chain. Among these actors, the electric vehicle, the charging operators and service providers, and the power system infrastructure (transmission and distribution system) are analyzed in depth. By classifying the reviewed literature based on this manifold viewpoints approach, this paper aims to facilitate researchers and technology developers in exploring the state-of-the-art methodologies for each actor’s perspective, and identify conflicting interests and synergies in charging infrastructure operation and planning.The authors would like to thank the Research Council of Norway and industry partners for the support in writing this paper under project 295133/E20FuChar—Grid and Charging Infrastructure of the Future https://prosjektbanken.forskningsradet.no/en/project/FORISS/295133?Kilde=F ORISS&distribution=Ar&chart=bar&calcType=funding&Sprak=no&sortBy=score&sortOrder=desc& resultCount=30&offset=0&Fritekst=fuchar&source=FORISS&projectId=295133 (accessed on 23 June 2023). The authors gratefully acknowledge Michele Garau, Bendik Nybakk Torsæter, and Daniel Mota from SINTEF Energy Research for their contribution to the conceptualization and review of the article. The work of Andreas Sumper was supported by the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) Academia Program.Postprint (published version

Special issue on microgrids

Postprint (published version

Active power control in a hybrid PV-storage power plant for frequency support

The recent increase of intermittent power generation plants connected to the electric power grids may stress the operation of power systems. So, grid codes started considering these power plants should con- tribute to the grid support functions. Recently, a power ramp rate limitation is being included in several grid codes, which is a challenge for photovoltaic installations due to the lack of inertia. This paper pre- sents a method to deal with the main grid code requirements considering a PV plant with an energy stor- age device, where a strict two-second time window ramp rate restriction is applied. A direct ramp rate control strategy is used, which includes a dynamic SOC control and battery support functionality for active power setpoint compliance. The control strategy is validated by simulations.Postprint (published version

Microgrids

Integration of renewable energy sources in the electrical power system is key for enabling the decarbonization of that system. The connection of renewable generation to the electrical system is being performed in a centralized form (large renewable power plants like wind or solar power plants connected at the transmission system) and in a decentralized manner (through the connection of dispersed generation connected at the distribution system). The connection of renewable generation at distribution levels, together with other generating sources as well as energy storage systems (the so-called DER, Distributed Energy Resources) close to consumption sites, is promoting the development of microgrids: DER installations that have the capability to operate grid connected and grid isolated. The uncertainty and variability of the renewable energy sources that integrate microgrids, as well as the need for coordination with other energy sources, pose challenges in the operation, protection, control, and planning of microgrids. The five selected papers published in this Special Issue propose solutions to address these challenges.Peer ReviewedObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No ContaminantObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant::7.1 - Per a 2030, garantir l’accés universal a serveis d’energia assequibles, confiables i modernsObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant::7.2 - Per a 2030, augmentar substancialment el percentatge d’energia renovable en el con­junt de fonts d’energiaPostprint (published version

Development of sustainable energy indexes by the utilization of new indicators: A comparative study

Decision making to improve energy sustainability requires scientifically information based on sustainability. Since there are different sustainability targets and specific decision problems in this regard, hence to achieve these targets or solve these problems, relevant sustainability indicators are needed. In this study, is investigated and developed a variety of applicable indicators to enhance sustainable energy development index. Indeed, the main aim of this study is to present new effective indicators related to sustainable development goals, investigating the most important challenges related to energy sustainability. Additionally, this work is following to find the main gaps which are as obstacles in achieving energy sustainability for 12 different countries. To do this, firstly the required data from international energy agency (IEA) and world bank gathered and then is analyzed.Postprint (author's final draft

Contribution of smart cities to the energy sustainability of the binomial between city and country

Cities are at the center of the transition to a decarbonized economy. The high consumption of electricity in these urban areas causes them to be the main focus of greenhouse gas emissions. However, they have a high margin of capacity to increase energy e ciency and local energy generation. Along these lines, the smart urban management model has been proposed as a solution to the unsustainability of cities. Due to the global trend of population concentration in urban areas, cities tend to be representative of the population, energy consumption, and energy sustainability of their countries. Based on this hypothesis, this paper studied the relationship between the smart city model and the concept of energy sustainability. First, the research analyzed the relationship between urban population growth and energy sustainability; and then the self-consumption capacity of photovoltaic electricity of the main cities of the countries classified in the energy sustainability indicator (Energy Trilemma Index 2017) of theWorld Energy Council was analyzed. According to the results, the scope of action for self-consumption of photovoltaic electricity is broad and cities have the capacity to contribute significantly to the energy sustainability of their countries. Following the approach of other authors, the development of energy sustainability objectives and the installation of smart systems in distribution grids must be aligned with national objectives.Postprint (published version

A model for an economic evaluation of energy systems using TRNSYS

This paper presents a technical-economic model for the evaluation of energy systems called Energy Assessment Tool of Energy Projects (EATEP). It was created with the TRaNsient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) and works in parallel to the technical simulations in this software. The EATEP links, in hourly time steps, technical and economic variables that can determine the functioning of energy systems and the profitability of the investment required for their implementation. The economic calculation procedure, as described in the European standard EN 15459:2007, of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) of the European Commission, has been adapted to the characteristics of TRNSYS to develop the calculation methodology of the EATEP. The final use of this resulting tool is the evaluation of the energy self-consumption of communities from the technical-economic point of view, analyzing the investment in distributed generation systems by consumers, prosumers and energy producers. The operation of the EATEP has been validated through two cases that demonstrate the wide range of its applicability and versatility. In the first case, the calculation of indicators identifies the best alternative among various investment options in the evaluation of self-consumption energy systems. The second case, evaluates systems in which producers, consumers and prosumers exchange energy and economic flows; the tool calculates indicators of costs, revenue and income (the margin between revenue and costs).Postprint (author's final draft