scholarly journals Predictive Voltage Control: Empowering Domestic Customers With a Key Role in the Active Management of LV Networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2635
Author(s):  
Micael Simões ◽  
André G. Madureira

In order to avoid voltage problems derived from the connection of large amounts of renewable-based generation to the electrical distribution system, new advanced tools need to be developed that are able to exploit the presence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). This paper describes the approach proposed for a predictive voltage control algorithm to be used in Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks in order to make use of available flexibilities from domestic consumers via their Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and more traditional resources from the Distribution System Operator (DSO), such as transformers with On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC) and storage devices. The proposed algorithm—the Low Voltage Control (LVC)—is detailed in this paper. The algorithm was tested through simulation using a real Portuguese LV network and real consumption and generation data, in order to evaluate its performance in preparation for a field-trial validation in a Portuguese smart grids pilot.


Mathematics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Ovidiu Ivanov ◽  
Samiran Chattopadhyay ◽  
Soumya Banerjee ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
Gheorghe Grigoras ◽  
...  

Demand Side Management (DSM) is becoming necessary in residential electricity distribution networks where local electricity trading is implemented. Amongst the DSM tools, Demand Response (DR) is used to engage the consumers in the market by voluntary disconnection of high consumption receptors at peak demand hours. As a part of the transition to Smart Grids, there is a high interest in DR applications for residential consumers connected in intelligent grids which allow remote controlling of receptors by electricity distribution system operators and Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) at consumer homes. This paper proposes a novel algorithm for multi-objective DR optimization in low voltage distribution networks with unbalanced loads, that takes into account individual consumer comfort settings and several technical objectives for the network operator. Phase load balancing, two approaches for minimum comfort disturbance of consumers and two alternatives for network loss reduction are proposed as objectives for DR. An original and faster method of replacing load flow calculations in the evaluation of the feasible solutions is proposed. A case study demonstrates the capabilities of the algorithm.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawryn Edmonds ◽  
Bo Liu ◽  
Hongyu Wu ◽  
Hang Zhang ◽  
Don Gruenbacher ◽  
...  

As home energy management systems (HEMSs) are implemented in homes as ways of reducing customer costs and providing demand response (DR) to the electric utility, homeowner’s privacy can be compromised. As part of the HEMS framework, homeowners are required to send load forecasts to the distribution system operator (DSO) for power balancing purposes. Submitting forecasts allows a platform for attackers to gain knowledge on user patterns based on the load information provided. The attacker could, for example, enter the home to steal valuable possessions when the homeowner is away. In this paper, we propose a framework using a smart contract within a private blockchain to keep customer information private when communicating with the DSO. The results show the HEMS users’ privacy is maintained, while the benefits of data sharing are obtained. Blockchain and its associated smart contracts may be a viable solution to security concerns in DR applications where load forecasts are sent to a DSO.



2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2793
Author(s):  
Katja H. Sirviö ◽  
Hannu Laaksonen ◽  
Kimmo Kauhaniemi ◽  
Nikos Hatziargyriou

The power system transition to smart grids brings challenges to electricity distribution network development since it involves several stakeholders and actors whose needs must be met to be successful for the electricity network upgrade. The technological challenges arise mainly from the various distributed energy resources (DERs) integration and use and network optimization and security. End-customers play a central role in future network operations. Understanding the network’s evolution through possible network operational scenarios could create a dedicated and reliable roadmap for the various stakeholders’ use. This paper presents a method to develop the evolving operational scenarios and related management schemes, including microgrid control functionalities, and analyzes the evolution of electricity distribution networks considering medium and low voltage grids. The analysis consists of the dynamic descriptions of network operations and the static illustrations of the relationships among classified actors. The method and analysis use an object-oriented and standardized software modeling language, the unified modeling language (UML). Operational descriptions for the four evolution phases of electricity distribution networks are defined and analyzed by Enterprise Architect, a UML tool. This analysis is followed by the active management architecture schemes with the microgrid control functionalities. The graphical models and analysis generated can be used for scenario building in roadmap development, real-time simulations, and management system development. The developed method, presented with high-level use cases (HL-UCs), can be further used to develop and analyze several parallel running control algorithms for DERs providing ancillary services (ASs) in the evolving electricity distribution networks.



Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Di Fazio ◽  
Mario Russo ◽  
Michele De Santis

This paper deals with the problem of the voltage profile optimization in a distribution system including distributed energy resources. Adopting a centralized approach, the voltage optimization is a non-linear programming problem with large number of variables requiring a continuous remote monitoring and data transmission from/to loads and distributed energy resources. In this study, a recently-proposed Jacobian-based linear method is used to model the steady-state operation of the distribution network and to divide the network into voltage control zones so as to reformulate the centralized optimization as a quadratic programming of reduced dimension. New clustering methods for the voltage control zone definition are proposed to consider the dependence of the nodal voltages on both active and reactive powers. Zoning methodologies are firstly tested on a 24-nodes low voltage network and, then, applied to the voltage optimization problem with the aim of analyzing the impact of the R/X ratios on the zone evaluation and on the voltage optimization solution.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawryn Edmonds ◽  
Bo Liu ◽  
Hongyu Wu ◽  
Hang Zhang ◽  
Don Gruenbacher ◽  
...  

As home energy management systems (HEMSs) are implemented in homes as ways of reducing customer costs and providing demand response (DR) to the electric utility, homeowner’s privacy can be compromised. As part of the HEMS framework, homeowners are required to send load forecasts to the distribution system operator (DSO) for power balancing purposes. Submitting forecasts allows a platform for attackers to gain knowledge on user patterns based on the load information provided. The attacker could, for example, enter the home to steal valuable possessions when the homeowner is away. In this paper, we propose a framework using a smart contract within a private blockchain to keep customer information private when communicating with the DSO. The results show the HEMS users’ privacy is maintained, while the benefits of data sharing are obtained. Blockchain and its associated smart contracts may be a viable solution to security concerns in DR applications where load forecasts are sent to a DSO.



Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4133
Author(s):  
Alessandro Bosisio ◽  
Matteo Moncecchi ◽  
Andrea Morotti ◽  
Marco Merlo

Currently, distribution system operators (DSOs) are asked to operate distribution grids, managing the rise of the distributed generators (DGs), the rise of the load correlated to heat pump and e-mobility, etc. Nevertheless, they are asked to minimize investments in new sensors and telecommunication links and, consequently, several nodes of the grid are still not monitored and tele-controlled. At the same time, DSOs are asked to improve the network’s resilience, looking for a reduction in the frequency and impact of power outages caused by extreme weather events. The paper presents a machine learning GIS-based approach to estimate a secondary substation’s load profiles, even in those cases where monitoring sensors are not deployed. For this purpose, a large amount of data from different sources has been collected and integrated to describe secondary substation load profiles adequately. Based on real measurements of some secondary substations (medium-voltage to low-voltage interface) given by Unareti, the DSO of Milan, and georeferenced data gathered from open-source databases, unknown secondary substations load profiles are estimated. Three types of machine learning algorithms, regression tree, boosting, and random forest, as well as geographic information system (GIS) information, such as secondary substation locations, building area, types of occupants, etc., are considered to find the most effective approach.



2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4317
Author(s):  
K. Prakash ◽  
F. R. Islam ◽  
K. A. Mamun ◽  
H. R. Pota

A distribution network is one of the main parts of a power system that distributes power to customers. While there are various types of power distribution networks, a recently introduced novel structure of an aromatic network could begin a new era in the distribution levels of power systems and designs of microgrids or smart grids. In order to minimize blackout periods during natural disasters and provide sustainable energy, improve energy efficiency and maintain stability of a distribution network, it is essential to configure/reconfigure the network topology based on its geographical location and power demand, and also important to realize its self-healing function. In this paper, a strategy for reconfiguring aromatic networks based on structures of natural aromatic molecules is explained. Various network structures are designed, and simulations have been conducted to justify the performance of each configuration. It is found that an aromatic network does not need to be fixed in a specific configuration (i.e., a DDT structure), which provides flexibility in designing networks and demonstrates that the successful use of such structures will be a perfect solution for both distribution networks and microgrid systems in providing sustainable energy to the end users.



Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 4028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abreu ◽  
Soares ◽  
Carvalho ◽  
Morais ◽  
Simão ◽  
...  

Challenges in the coordination between the transmission system operator (TSO) and the distribution system operator (DSO) have risen continuously with the integration of distributed energy resources (DER). These technologies have the possibility to provide reactive power support for system operators. Considering the Portuguese reactive power policy as an example of the regulatory framework, this paper proposes a methodology for proactive reactive power management of the DSO using the renewable energy sources (RES) considering forecast uncertainty available in the distribution system. The proposed method applies a stochastic sequential alternative current (AC)-optimal power flow (SOPF) that returns trustworthy solutions for the DSO and optimizes the use of reactive power between the DSO and DER. The method is validated using a 37-bus distribution network considering real data. Results proved that the method improves the reactive power management by taking advantage of the full capabilities of the DER and by reducing the injection of reactive power by the TSO in the distribution network and, therefore, reducing losses.



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