Showing papers by "Pierluigi Mancarella published in 2013"

Real-Time Demand Response From Energy Shifting in Distributed Multi-Generation

Abstract: In this paper, a comprehensive dedicated framework is set up to analyze distributed multi-generation (DMG) systems for the purpose of identifying and quantifying their potential to participate in real-time demand response (DR) programmes. At first, flexibility of DMG systems with multiple interconnected plant components is exploited to identify the optimal operational strategy in the presence of half-hourly pricing. Then, the costs and benefits of providing further real-time DR are assessed by taking into account different energy shifting strategies. The novel concept of electricity shifting potential is introduced to establish the upper limit to the possible reduction of the electricity flowing from the electrical grid to the DMG system. The maximum profitable energy shifting that can be activated in the presence of given DR incentives is established on the basis of a DR profitability map. The key point is that energy shifting can be deployed inside the local DMG system to respond to given DR signals without reducing the users' energy demand and thus without affecting their comfort level. Examples of real-time DR for a trigeneration system referring to half-hourly periods during selected Summer and Winter days are illustrated and discussed.

Decentralized Participation of Flexible Demand in Electricity Markets—Part II: Application With Electric Vehicles and Heat Pump Systems

Abstract: Realizing the significant demand flexibility potential in deregulated power systems requires its suitable integration in electricity markets. Part I of this work has presented the theoretical, algorithmic and implementation aspects of a novel pool market mechanism achieving this goal by combining the advantages of centralized mechanisms and dynamic pricing schemes, based on Lagrangian relaxation (LR) principles. Part II demonstrates the applicability of the mechanism, considering two reschedulable demand technologies with significant potential, namely electric vehicles with flexible charging capability and electric heat pump systems accompanied by heat storage for space heating. The price response sub-problems of these technologies are formulated, including detailed models of their operational properties. Suitable case studies on a model of the U.K. system are examined in order to validate the properties of the proposed mechanism and illustrate and analyze the benefits associated with the market participation of the considered technologies.

Integrated energy and ancillary services provision in multi-energy systems

Abstract: Multi-energy systems (MES) in which operation and planning of electricity networks is optimally framed within a context of interaction with other energy vectors such as heat, cooling and gas, are receiving increasing interest from the point of view of providing flexibility to the power system. In this outlook, MES have the potential to provide real time demand response services by deploying the possibility to internally shift energy vectors between different plant components, thus decreasing the equivalent electricity input from the grid. This could be particularly relevant to provide ancillary services to future systems. On these premises, the aim of this paper is to set out a framework for the techno-economic assessment of integrated provision of energy and ancillary services from MES while supplying local multi-energy demand. The concepts of fuel-to-power arbitrage or equivalently of multi-energy arbitrage, electricity shifting potential, and ancillary services profitability maps are introduced and discussed to synthesize the developed framework. Specific numerical applications are presented to illustrate through case studies the implications of the proposed concepts.

Impacts of photovoltaics on low voltage networks: A case study for the north west of England

Abstract: This work proposes a Monte Carlo-based technique to assess the impacts of different PV penetrations on a real LV network for the North West of England, considering 5-min resolution models for domestic load and PV generation. The impacts of PV location are analysed through two scenarios based on location: closer to and further from the distribution transformer. Voltage impacts are measured using EN50160 and the thermal capabilities are examined through a utilisation factor. Additionally, the effects of higher LV busbar voltages are also investigated. Results indicate that voltage issues are more constraining than asset utilisation, particularly with clusters closer to the transformer.

Physical modeling of electro-thermal domestic heating systems with quantification of economic and environmental costs

Abstract: Electro-thermal domestic heating systems represent excellent potential sources for demand response and demand side flexibility given the large amount of storage inherent in them. However, they must be modeled using an approach which adequately captures the detailed physics of the problem (in order to properly assess the different sources of inherent storage), and yet is simple enough to be generalizable to any building and heating type that could be available in the future. This paper presents a comprehensive physical modeling approach for electro-thermal domestic heating systems, in which space heating demand derived from the physical modeling approach is combined with domestic hot water and electricity demand to demonstrate how quantification of economic and environmental costs of different domestic heating systems as well as of the thermal inertia of different components (for future demand response studies) may be undertaken.

A real options assessment of operational flexibility in district energy systems

Abstract: The aim of this paper, which is framed within the research activities of the EC FP7 IREEN Project, is to quantify the value of operational flexibility (with applications to planning) in ICT-enabled district energy systems. In particular, our work offers an integrated approach to the optimal operation and planning of flexible systems composed of high efficiency combined heat and power (CHP) and heat storage resources that can provide optimal demand response (DR) to real-time external signals (such as energy prices) and considering measurements and forecasts of different variables (weather, energy loads, and so on). The methodological approach, borrowed from finance theory, is based on a mixed operational and planning model using stochastic control techniques (for operational optimization, closely related to the pricing of swing options) which is in turn used for long-term (planning) real options evaluation. Numerical applications to exemplify the model developed refer to realistic UK applications. The model is a first step towards quantifying the operational and planning value of smart technologies and thus enabling the development of business cases for ICT-enabled energy efficient neighborhoods.

Participation of electric heat pump resources in electricity markets under uncertainty

Abstract: This paper presents a model for calculating the optimal purchasing strategy in a day ahead market for an aggregation of domestic buildings utilising electric heat pumps (EHP) to supply low grade thermal energy (for space heating and domestic hot water). The model includes physical models of buildings and of thermal energy stores (TES). Uncertainty in outdoor temperature (hence space heating demand and imbalance volume) and imbalance prices is modelled using a stochastic programming approach, whilst uncertainty in non-heating electricity and domestic hot water demand, and building occupancy (which is a determinant of space heating demand) is accounted for through random assignation of synthetic profiles to buildings/scenarios. The effect on the purchasing costs of the presence and size of a TES and the effect of the size of the EHP are tested.