Pádraig Lyons

Bio: Pádraig Lyons is an academic researcher from Newcastle University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Smart grid & Renewable energy. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 33 publications receiving 803 citations. Previous affiliations of Pádraig Lyons include Durham University & Northumbria University.

Predicting the technical impacts of high levels of small-scale embedded generators on low-voltage networks

Abstract: The anticipated high penetrations of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs) on public low-voltage (LV) distribution networks are likely to present distribution network operators (DNOs) with a number of technical impacts relating to power quality, distribution system efficiency and potential equipment overloads. Impact studies need to be performed using suitable case study networks in order to evaluate the effects of SSEGs on LV distribution networks and quantify allowable SSEG penetration levels. The aim is to propose a methodology for predicting the technical impacts of SSEGs on LV networks without the need for developing a detailed computer-based model of the power system and simulating a range of operating scenarios. This methodology is drawn from an analysis of the key electrical characteristics that determine the response of LV networks to the addition of SSEGs, focusing on the following technical aspects: (i) voltage regulation, (ii) voltage rise, (iii) voltage unbalance, (iv) cable and transformer thermal limits and (v) network losses. The analysis is carried out on a UK generic and a European generic LV network and simulation results for both networks are presented and discussed. The proposed methodology is then applied to an existing public UK LV network operated by E.ON UK Central Networks, indicating a good agreement between predicted and simulation results.

Integrating Electrical Energy Storage Into Coordinated Voltage Control Schemes for Distribution Networks

Abstract: In this paper, a coordinated voltage control scheme utilizing electrical energy storage (EES) is presented, for future distribution networks with large, clustered distributions of low carbon technologies (LCTs) in terms of both feeder and phase location. The benefits of the EES integrated scheme over conventional voltage control schemes are demonstrated by realizing a set of network scenarios on a case study network both in simulation and in network in the loop (NIL) emulation at a smart grid laboratory facility. The case study uses a rigorously validated model of an actual GB distribution network with multiple EES installations. It was found that the EES integrated voltage control scheme is able to provide increased capability over conventional voltage control schemes and increase the value of EES to network operation.

Air Source Heat Pumps field studies: A systematic literature review

Abstract: The electrification of home heating is proposed as a low carbon solution in climate change action plans. It is therefore important to understand the energy efficiency and capability of heat pumps when deployed in the homes of end users. This paper presents a systematic literature review of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) field studies. The papers are reviewed with respect to the field study focus, and analysed in terms of the field study design, and the analysis methodologies applied to the gathered data. The review finds three main areas of focus: defrosting management, ASHP system management, and ASHPs as smart grid demand response components. The review also identifies what ASHP data is publicly available to assist other researchers in building, testing and analysing ASHP efficiency models. Finally, future research topics on the use of ASHPs in home heating are identified.

Impact of electric vehicles on power distribution networks

Abstract: The market for battery powered and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is currently limited, but this is expected to grow rapidly with the increased concern about the environment and advances in technology. Due to their high energy capacity, mass deployment of electrical vehicles will have significant impact on power networks. This impact will dictate the design of the electric vehicle interface devices and the way future power networks will be designed and controlled. This paper presents the results of an analysis of the impact of electric vehicles on existing power distribution networks. Evaluation of supply/demand matching and potential violations of statutory voltage limits, power quality and imbalance are presented.

A Review of Architectures and Concepts for Intelligence in Future Electric Energy Systems

Abstract: Renewable energy sources are one key enabler to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and to cope with the anthropogenic climate change. Their intermittent behavior and limited storage capabilities present a new challenge to power system operators to maintain power quality and reliability. Additional technical complexity arises from the large number of small distributed generation units and their allocation within the power system. Market liberalization and changing regulatory framework lead to additional organizational complexity. As a result, the design and operation of the future electric energy system have to be redefined. Sophisticated information and communication architectures, automation concepts, and control approaches are necessary in order to manage the higher complexity of so-called smart grids. This paper provides an overview of the state of the art and recent developments enabling higher intelligence in future smart grids. The integration of renewable sources and storage systems into the power grids is analyzed. Energy management and demand response methods and important automation paradigms and domain standards are also reviewed.

Lithium-Ion Battery Storage for the Grid—A Review of Stationary Battery Storage System Design Tailored for Applications in Modern Power Grids

Abstract: Battery energy storage systems have gained increasing interest for serving grid support in various application tasks. In particular, systems based on lithium-ion batteries have evolved rapidly with a wide range of cell technologies and system architectures available on the market. On the application side, different tasks for storage deployment demand distinct properties of the storage system. This review aims to serve as a guideline for best choice of battery technology, system design and operation for lithium-ion based storage systems to match a specific system application. Starting with an overview to lithium-ion battery technologies and their characteristics with respect to performance and aging, the storage system design is analyzed in detail based on an evaluation of real-world projects. Typical storage system applications are grouped and classified with respect to the challenges posed to the battery system. Publicly available modeling tools for technical and economic analysis are presented. A brief analysis of optimization approaches aims to point out challenges and potential solution techniques for system sizing, positioning and dispatch operation. For all areas reviewed herein, expected improvements and possible future developments are highlighted. In order to extract the full potential of stationary battery storage systems and to enable increased profitability of systems, future research should aim to a holistic system level approach combining not only performance tuning on a battery cell level and careful analysis of the application requirements, but also consider a proper selection of storage sub-components as well as an optimized system operation strategy.

A review of consumer preferences of and interactions with electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Abstract: This paper presents a literature review of studies that investigate infrastructure needs to support the market introduction of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). It focuses on literature relating to consumer preferences for charging infrastructure, and how consumers interact with and use this infrastructure. This includes studies that use questionnaire surveys, interviews, modelling, GPS data from vehicles, and data from electric vehicle charging equipment. These studies indicate that the most important location for PEV charging is at home, followed by work, and then public locations. Studies have found that more effort is needed to ensure consumers have easy access to PEV charging and that charging at home, work, or public locations should not be free of cost. Research indicates that PEV charging will not impact electricity grids on the short term, however charging may need to be managed when the vehicles are deployed in greater numbers. In some areas of study the literature is not sufficiently mature to draw any conclusions from. More research is especially needed to determine how much infrastructure is needed to support the roll out of PEVs. This paper ends with policy implications and suggests avenues of future research.