Robert J. Thomas

Bio: Robert J. Thomas is an academic researcher from Cornell University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electric power system & Electricity market. The author has an hindex of 43, co-authored 178 publications receiving 11807 citations. Previous affiliations of Robert J. Thomas include University of California, Davis & National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

A stochastic, contingency-based security-constrained optimal power flow for the procurement of energy and distributed reserve

Abstract: It is widely agreed that optimal procurement of reserves, with explicit consideration of system contingencies, can improve reliability and economic efficiency in power systems. With increasing penetration of uncertain generation resources, this optimal allocation is becoming even more crucial. Herein, a problem formulation is developed to solve the day-ahead energy and reserve market allocation and pricing problem that explicitly considers the redispatch set required by the occurrence of contingencies and the corresponding optimal power flow, static and dynamic security constraints. Costs and benefits, including those arising from eventual demand deviation and contingency-originated redispatch and shedding, are weighted by the contingency probabilities, resulting in a scheme that contracts the optimal amount of resources in a stochastic day-ahead procurement setting. Furthermore, the usual assumption that the day-ahead contracted quantities correspond to some base case dispatch is removed, resulting in an optimal procurement as opposed to an optimal dispatch. Inherent in the formulation are mechanisms for rescheduling and pricing dispatch deviations arising from realized demand fluctuations and contingencies. Because the formulation involves a single, one stage, comprehensive mathematical program, the Lagrange multipliers obtained at the solution are consistent with shadow prices and can be used to clear the day-ahead and spot markets of the different commodities involved. Co-optimization of energy and reserves, including system contingency requirementsComplete AC power flow formulation with static and dynamic security constraintsLagrange multipliers determine various day-ahead and spot market commodity prices.Comparison with traditional method shows improvements in system security and costs.

A Privacy-Aware Architecture for Demand Response Systems

Abstract: We explore the privacy issues implicated by the development of demand response systems. We begin by highlighting the invasive nature of fine-granularity power consumption data, showing that the data collected by Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) reveals detailed information about behavior within the home. We then show how privacy-aware design principles lead to novel system architectures that realize the benefits of demand response without requiring that AMI data be centrally collected. The resulting systems avoid both harm to subscribers and the potential need to scrap AMI-based demand response efforts in the face of public outcry. We also show that Trusted Platform Modules can be used to develop privacy-sensitive metering infrastructure.

The Influence of Generator Scheduling and Time-Varying Fault Rates on Voltage Sag Prediction

Abstract: This paper discusses the influence of generator scheduling and time-varying fault rates on the stochastic prediction of voltage sags. Typically, in the stochastic prediction of voltage sags, the annual expected sag frequencies (ESFs) at sensitive load points are calculated by assuming that the operating conditions and topology of the power system remain unchanged and fault rates of system components are constant throughout a year. In this paper, in order to obtain reasonable accuracy in predicting the annual ESFs at sensitive load points, the variation of fault rates due to adverse weather and the effect of generator scheduling are considered. The study was performed on the IEEE 30-bus test system. Two buses were randomly selected and the ESFs at the selected buses were calculated for different cases (i.e., with and without incorporation of time-varying fault rates and the operation schedule of generators in the system).

Innovative developments in load as a reliability resource

Abstract: This paper reports on work the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) has been pursuing to hasten the arrival of meaningful load participation in competitive electricity markets. The activities include: experimental economic analysis of the effect of price responsive load in reducing market prices and price volatility; assessments of emerging demand response programs and technologies for enabling customer participation in electricity markets, and demonstrations of load in providing ancillary services (notably, spinning reserve).

Random graphs

Abstract: We will review some of the major results in random graphs and some of the more challenging open problems. We will cover algorithmic and structural questions. We will touch on newer models, including those related to the WWW.

MATPOWER: Steady-State Operations, Planning, and Analysis Tools for Power Systems Research and Education

Abstract: MATPOWER is an open-source Matlab-based power system simulation package that provides a high-level set of power flow, optimal power flow (OPF), and other tools targeted toward researchers, educators, and students. The OPF architecture is designed to be extensible, making it easy to add user-defined variables, costs, and constraints to the standard OPF problem. This paper presents the details of the network modeling and problem formulations used by MATPOWER, including its extensible OPF architecture. This structure is used internally to implement several extensions to the standard OPF problem, including piece-wise linear cost functions, dispatchable loads, generator capability curves, and branch angle difference limits. Simulation results are presented for a number of test cases comparing the performance of several available OPF solvers and demonstrating MATPOWER's ability to solve large-scale AC and DC OPF problems.

Smart Grid — The New and Improved Power Grid: A Survey

Abstract: The Smart Grid, regarded as the next generation power grid, uses two-way flows of electricity and information to create a widely distributed automated energy delivery network. In this article, we survey the literature till 2011 on the enabling technologies for the Smart Grid. We explore three major systems, namely the smart infrastructure system, the smart management system, and the smart protection system. We also propose possible future directions in each system. colorred{Specifically, for the smart infrastructure system, we explore the smart energy subsystem, the smart information subsystem, and the smart communication subsystem.} For the smart management system, we explore various management objectives, such as improving energy efficiency, profiling demand, maximizing utility, reducing cost, and controlling emission. We also explore various management methods to achieve these objectives. For the smart protection system, we explore various failure protection mechanisms which improve the reliability of the Smart Grid, and explore the security and privacy issues in the Smart Grid.

Trends in Microgrid Control

Abstract: The increasing interest in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into microgrids presents major challenges from the viewpoints of reliable operation and control. In this paper, the major issues and challenges in microgrid control are discussed, and a review of state-of-the-art control strategies and trends is presented; a general overview of the main control principles (e.g., droop control, model predictive control, multi-agent systems) is also included. The paper classifies microgrid control strategies into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary, where primary and secondary levels are associated with the operation of the microgrid itself, and tertiary level pertains to the coordinated operation of the microgrid and the host grid. Each control level is discussed in detail in view of the relevant existing technical literature.