Electric Distribution System Planning Methodology Considering Distributed Energy Resources: A Contribution towards Real Smart Grid Deployment

Within the current context of energy transition, the first step to assure cost-efficient and reliable grid operations is the use of adequate planning tools. These tools must evaluate the real needs for reinforcing, replacing and incorporating new network assets considering not only technical and regulatory aspects but also the operational benefits that distributed energy resources (DER) may provide. With this purpose, this paper presents a novel methodology for the analysis and the advanced planning of the active distribution networks in the context of smart grids. The main contributions of the proposed methodology are the following: to incorporate the real capabilities of DER proactively to the planning and operation of distribution networks; to appropriately use the data available in current smart grids; and to promote the efficient use of network capacity in distribution level (efficiency decisions of its users, grid assets in service, access conditions, etc.) through potential operational services, variable in time. The proposed methodology was successfully tested on a real distribution network with 450,000 delivery points on a geographical area of 5000 km2.

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Zoning Evaluation for Voltage Optimization in Distribution Networks with Distributed Energy Resources

Energies ◽

10.3390/en12030390 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 390 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Anna Di Fazio ◽

Mario Russo ◽

Michele De Santis

Keyword(s):

Distribution System ◽

Low Voltage ◽

Linear Method ◽

Voltage Control ◽

Distribution Networks ◽

Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy ◽

Control Zone ◽

The Impact

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.

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Review for "Optimal coordination of staticVARcompensators, fixed capacitors, and distributed energy resources in Egyptian distribution networks"

10.1002/2050-7038.12609/v2/review2 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Distribution Networks ◽

Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy ◽

Optimal Coordination

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The Role of Regulators in Promoting the Procurement of Flexibility Services within the Electricity Distribution System: A Survey of Seven Leading Countries

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14144073 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 4073 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Karim L. Anaya ◽

Michael G. Pollitt

Keyword(s):

Distribution System ◽

Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy Resources ◽

Distributed Energy ◽

Collective Interest ◽

Regulatory Changes ◽

System A ◽

Use Of Resources ◽

Generating Capacity ◽

Tariff Structure

This paper identifies and explores regulatory issues that may have an impact on the use of flexibility services by distribution utilities to solve grid constraints. This can be done by flexible distributed energy resources which can be instructed, for instance, to reduce export generating capacity or increasing consumption. We want to identify how regulation can better support the development of the future distribution utility in its role as neutral market facilitator, enabling more competition in local flexibility markets and optimal use of resources. A set of questionnaires were designed to capture the insights around important aspects of the regulation of flexibility markets (utilities’ network incentives, network tariff structure, market design for flexibility markets, etc.). These were sent to distribution utilities, energy regulators, energy marketplaces, energy associations and relevant experts from seven jurisdictions. The responses suggest a collective interest in the procurement of flexibility services by distribution utilities from distributed energy resources. New regulations, the adaptation of current rules and recent consultations reflect this. However, the amount of progress with and preferences for key regulatory changes differ across jurisdictions.

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