Showing papers in "IEEE Power & Energy Magazine in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define what it means to achieve a 100% renewable grid and what it takes to achieve this goal, and how to achieve it in a large-scale manner.
Abstract: What does it mean to achieve a 100% renewable grid? Several countries already meet or come close to achieving this goal. Iceland, for example, supplies 100% of its electricity needs with either geothermal or hydropower. Other countries that have electric grids with high fractions of renewables based on hydropower include Norway (97%), Costa Rica (93%), Brazil (76%), and Canada (62%). Hydropower plants have been used for decades to create a relatively inexpensive, renewable form of energy, but these systems are limited by natural rainfall and geographic topology. Around the world, most good sites for large hydropower resources have already been developed. So how do other areas achieve 100% renewable grids? Variable renewable energy (VRE), such as wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, will be a major contributor, and with the reduction in costs for these technologies during the last five years, large-scale deployments are happening around the world.
808 citations
TL;DR: The importance of battery energy storage in densely populated urban areas, where traditional storage techniques such as pumped hydroelectric energy storage and compressed-air energy storage are often not feasible as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Battery energy storage effectively staBIlizes the electric grid and aids renewable integration by balancing supply and demand in real time. The importance of such storage is especially crucial in densely populated urban areas, where traditional storage techniques such as pumped hydroelectric energy storage and compressed-air energy storage are often not feasible.
394 citations
TL;DR: The concept of multi-energy system is gaining considerable attention, with the overarching objectives of uncovering fundamental gains (and potential drawbacks) that emerge from the integrated operation of multiple systems and developing holistic yet computationally affordable optimization and control methods that maximize operational benefits, while acknowledging intrinsic interdependencies and quality of service requirements for each provider as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Electricity, natural gas, water, and dis trict heating/cooling systems are predominantly planned and operated independently. However, it is increasingly recognized that integrated optimization and control of such systems at multiple spatiotemporal scales can bring significant socioeconomic, operational efficiency, and environmental benefits. Accordingly, the concept of the multi-energy system is gaining considerable attention, with the overarching objectives of 1) uncovering fundamental gains (and potential drawbacks) that emerge from the integrated operation of multiple systems and 2) developing holistic yet computationally affordable optimization and control methods that maximize operational benefits, while 3) acknowledging intrinsic interdependencies and quality-of-service requirements for each provider.
98 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a low-cost, high-renewable projection scenario for the United States with futures tending toward 100% renewable energy, provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Abstract: Unless you have been hibernating in a remote cave for the past decade, you will have noticed the explosion of variable renewable generation. Wind power and solar photovoltaics (PVs) have been the subject of dozens of articles, just within the pages of IEEE Power & Energy Magazine. Charts illustrating relentless growth, such as the example from the United States shown in Figure 1 with futures tending toward 100% renewable energy, are common. This figure, provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), reflects a low-cost, high-renewable projection scenario.
97 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a community microgrid (BCM) in the city of Chicago, which is the backbone of a planned community of the future, where residents and critical facilities enjoy a sustainable environment and utilize innovative smart grid products.
Abstract: Bronzeville is a community located in the city of Chicago that features a diverse historic district with essential city services, residential housing, and educational institutions. The Bronzeville neighborhood houses the headquarters of the Chicago Police and Fire Department, De La Salle Institute, Illinois College of Optometry, Boulevard Care Center, Chicago Public Library, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Bronzeville Nursing and Living Center, Chicago Military Academy, Pentecostal Church, Perspectives Math & Science Academy, and other institutions. The area provides an ideal location for the continued refinement and development of advanced electric power services, which can be demonstrated through the implementation of a community microgrid: the Bronzeville community microgrid (BCM). The BCM is the backbone of a planned community of the future, where residents and critical facilities enjoy a sustainable environment and utilize innovative smart grid products. The BCM can serve as a pilot project for demonstrating the merits of instituting Chicago as a smart city. Distribution automation devices capable of fault interruption and sectionalization will be strategically deployed so that a fault would only result in a local outage rather than an interruption to the entire area. The BCM operation will comprise several types of distributed energy resources (DER s). A battery energy storage system (BESS) located in close proximity to photovoltaic panels provides an effective means to mitigate the variability of renewable energy. The BESS is also effective in improving the power quality at customer sites.
90 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed that energy storage can bring significant, fundamental economic benefits to various areas in the electric power sector, including reduced investment requirements for generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure as well as reduced system operation and balancing costs.
Abstract: Any Cost-effective transition toward low-carbon electricity supply will necessitate improved system flexibility to address the challenges of increased balancing requirements and degradation in asset use. Energy storage (ES) represents a flexible option that can bring significant, fundamental economic benefits to various areas in the electric power sector, including reduced investment requirements for generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure as well as reduced system operation and balancing costs. The additional flexibility offered by ES could also significantly reduce the requirement for investment in low-carbon generation capacity while achieving the established carbon intensity targets. Moreover, ES may present significant option value, as it can provide flexibility for dealing with uncertainty in future system development.
66 citations
TL;DR: The medium-to long-term vision for the electrical grid is to transition away from carbon-based fuels toward increased penetration of renewable DERs and use of energy storage and electric transportation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In Addition To Their Age, Particularly in large metropolitan areas, electric power systems throughout the industrialized world face challenges brought on by new technology trends, environmental concerns, evolving weather patterns, a multiplicity of consumer needs, and regulatory requirements. New technology trends include the development of more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective renewable generation and distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage technologies, and electric vehicles (EVs), along with monitoring, protection, automation, and control devices and communications that offer significant opportunities for realizing a sustainable energy future. The medium- to long-term vision for the electrical grid is to transition away from carbon-based fuels toward increased penetration of renewable DERs and use of energy storage and electric transportation.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a large number of wind turbines and photovoltaic (PV) panels are connected to medium- (1-69 kV) and low-voltage (1kV) grids, with traditional integrated bulk power systems becoming decentralized in the presence of active distribution networks.
Abstract: Driven by global environmental emission issues, energy access in remote communities, and tighter requirements for system resilience and reliability, electricity production is shifting from a centralized paradigm to a decentralized one. In this context, renewable energy sources (RESs) have proliferated over the past decade, exhibiting a steadily increasing trend. Thus, today, a large number of wind turbines and photovoltaic (PV) panels are connected to medium- (1-69 kV) and low-voltage (=1 kV) grids, with traditional integrated bulk power systems becoming decentralized in the presence of active distribution networks, where the flow of power is bidirectional between generators and "prosumers." In particular, with decreasing RES s costs, these technologies are becoming attractive solutions to bring energy to remote communities and/or replace expensive fossil-fuel-based generators. However, RES s such as wind and solar are intermittent sources of energy, difficult to predict, and prone to large output fluctuations-therefore, significantly affecting system voltage and frequency.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on maintaining a real-time balance between power generation and load, despite variability in load on time scales ranging from subsecond disturbances to multi-year trends.
Abstract: For nearly a century, global power systems have focused on three key functions: generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity as a real-time commodity. Physics requires that electricity generation always be in real-time balance with load-despite variability in load on time scales ranging from subsecond disturbances to multiyear trends. With the increasing role of variable generation from wind and solar, the retirement of fossil-fuel-based generation, and a changing consumer demand profile, grid operators are using new methods to maintain this balance.
47 citations
TL;DR: A transition to fossil-free energy systems is necessary to secure a safe, reliable, and sustainable future as discussed by the authors, which implies increasing shares of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and introduces new challenges in terms of flexibility, storage, and energy transmission.
Abstract: A transition to fossil-free energy systems is necessary to secure a safe, reliable, and sustainable future. This implies increasing shares of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and introduces new challenges in terms of flexibility, storage, and energy transmission. Consumers play a crucial role in achieving this energy transition, as consumer flexibility is required to accommodate variable generation and peak loads. This implies that consumers become more flexible in their energy use and adopt technologies that facilitate greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors bring together examples from Europe, North America, and Australia to identify five indisputable facts about planning and operating modern power systems, and they hope these experiences can help build consensus among the engineering and public policy communities about the current state of wind and solar integration and also facilitate conversations about evolving future challenges.
Abstract: An indisputable fact cannot be rebutted. It is supported by theory and experience. Over the past 25 years, wind and solar generation has undergone dramatic growth, resulting in a variety of experiences that model the integration of wind and solar into the planning and operation of modern electric power systems. In this article, we bring together examples from Europe, North America, and Australia to identify five indisputable facts about planning and operating modern power systems. Taken together, we hope these experiences can help build consensus among the engineering and public policy communities about the current state of wind and solar integration and also facilitate conversations about evolving future challenges.
TL;DR: In this article, electrical energy storage (EES) systems are expected to play an increasing role in helping the United States and China to meet the challenges of integrating more variable renewable resources and enhancing the reliability of power systems by improving the operating capabilities of the electric grid.
Abstract: Electrical energy storage (EES) systems are expected to play an increasing role in helping the United States and China-the world's largest economies with the two largest power systems-meet the challenges of integrating more variable renewable resources and enhancing the reliability of power systems by improving the operating capabilities of the electric grid. EES systems are becoming integral components of a resilient and efficient grid through a diverse set of applications that include energy management, load shifting, frequency regulation, grid stabilization, and voltage support.
TL;DR: The IntegratinG Renewables in the EuropEaN electricity grid (IGREENG rid) project as discussed by the authors was developed to analyze and select the most promising research and development (RDsterreich Netz and Saltzburg AG) in Austria, Proyecto de Redes Inteligentes del Corredor del HenarE in Spain, known as PEICE (Iberdrola Distribucion Electrica and Gas Natural Fenosa); Sperchiada in Greece (Diacheiristis Ellinikou Dikty
Abstract: Distributed Renewable Energy Sources (DRESs) are increasing rapidly in distribution grids, and their integration into the electricity system is one of the most relevant problems facing these networks. The objective of our project, IntegratinG Renewables in the EuropEaN electricity Grid (IGREENG rid), was to analyze and select the most promising research and development (RDsterreich Netz and Saltzburg AG) in Austria; Proyecto de Redes Inteligentes del Corredor del HenarE in Spain, known as PEICE (Iberdrola Distribucion Electrica and Gas Natural Fenosa); Sperchiada in Greece (Diacheiristis Ellinikou Diktyou Dianomis elektrikis Energeias); Isernia in Italy (e-distribuzione); Zukunftsnetze in Germany (Innogy SE); and Venteea in France (Enedis). IGREENG rid had a budget of e6.6 million, partially funded by the European Commission, and was in development for almost four years.
TL;DR: The design of wholesale electricity markets is complex as mentioned in this paper, as electricity generation must occur simultaneously with consumption, whereby electricity delivery is based on the laws of physics, unlike other commodities, electricity cannot be stored in a warehouse.
Abstract: The design of wholesale electricity markets is complex. Unlike other commodities, electricity cannot be stored in a warehouse. Electricity generation must occur simultaneously with consumption, whereby electricity delivery is based on laws of physics. Under the structure of regulated electricity rates, consumers are generally not directly exposed to the instantaneous cost of the delivered electricity. Countries around the world have successfully managed these complexities by restructuring the electricity sector with markets that allow wholesale electricity suppliers to compete in providing energy, reliability services, financial services, and sometimes capacity. Still, wholesale electricity market restructuring has certainly been a moving target.
TL;DR: In this paper, a grid-integrated microgrid is proposed to provide the flexibility, reliability, and resiliency needs of both the future grid and critical customers in remote areas as well as critical industrial and military loads.
Abstract: Microgrids have long been deployed to provide power to customers in remote areas as well as critical industrial and military loads. Today, they are also being proposed as grid-interactive solutions for energy-resilient communities. Such microgrids will spend most of the time operating while synchronized with the surrounding utility grid but will also be capable of separating during contingency periods due to storms or temporary disturbances such as local grid faults. Properly designed and grid-integrated microgrids can provide the flexibility, reliability, and resiliency needs of both the future grid and critical customers. These systems can be an integral part of future power system designs that optimize investments to achieve operational goals, improved reliability, and diversification of energy sources.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors stress the need for standards to facilitate the large-scale deployment of distributed energy resources in the distribution system within a microgrid, and propose a distributed energy management system (DERMS) and a micro-grid control system.
Abstract: As the penetration of Distributed Energy resources (DERs) in distribution systems increases, their integration and interconnection to the grid, and their impact on the grid, need to be addressed in a coherent and structured manner. In the case of a large penetration, DER s can be integrated by aggregating the units using a DER energy management system (DERMS) or can form part of the devices constituting a microgrid, in which case they are managed by the microgrid control system. This article stresses the need for standards to facilitate the large-scale deployment of DER in the distribution system within a microgrid.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors lay out some generic principles and characteristics related to heat-sector flexibility and demonstrate its possibilities using specific examples, while most of the discussions also apply to cool, which is just another form of temperature difference.
Abstract: As has been often reported, electricity systems with high levels of variable wind and solar power generation would benefit from demand flexibility. What is not as often mentioned is that electrification of the transport and heat sectors could exacerbate the need for flexibility, if they are implemented as inflexible loads. This demand could also be made more flexible, but it comes with a cost. The main issue is to identify the cases in which the benefits will outweigh those costs, a matter that will naturally depend on the evolution of specific energy systems. In this article, we lay out some generic principles and characteristics related to heat-sector flexibility and demonstrate its possibilities using specific examples. While we generally use the word heat here, most of the discussions also apply to cool, which, after all, is just another form of temperature difference.
TL;DR: The IDE4L project as discussed by the authors defined, designed, and demonstrated the ideal grid for all, with an active distribution network that integrates renewable energy sources (RESs) and new loads and guarantees the reliability of classical distribution networks.
Abstract: The Purpose of the IDE4L project was to define, design, and demonstrate the ideal grid for all, with an active distribution network that integrates renewable energy sources (RESs) and new loads and guarantees the reliability of classical distribution networks. The active distribution network consists of the infrastructure of power delivery, active resources, and active network management (ANM) and combines passive infrastructure with active resources, ANM functionalities, and distribution automation information and communication technology infrastructure. Active distributed energy resources (DERs) include distributed generation (DG), demand, response, and storage. The concept of a commercial aggregator offering flexibility services is also integrated in an ANM.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate that system recovery times after high-impact, low-probability events (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods) are often faster for generation and transmission segments than for the distribution system.
Abstract: Increasing power system resilience at the distribution level is crucial due to the negative social impact of blackouts, as the undesired consequences get worse the longer the system restoration takes. Statistical records demonstrate that system recovery times after high-impact, low-probability events (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods) are often faster for generation and transmission segments than for the distribution system. During the 2010 Chilean earthquake (8.8 Mw on the Richter scale), for example, the distribution system in the most affected area (almost 1.1 million customers) was not totally back in service until two weeks after the first major seismic event. In contrast, the transmission system rapidly recovered, with most of the bulk system buses re-energized by the end of the first day and the remainder during the second day. Additional installed generation capacity and repairing minor damage to most of the affected generation plants allowed for the recovery of most of the supply within a few days. Only 6.1% of the installed generation capacity required major repairs (which took up to six months to complete).
TL;DR: In this article, weather forecasts will never be perfectly accurate and this natural fact poses challenges not only for private life, public safety, and traffic but also for electrical power systems with high shares of weather-dependent wind and solar power production.
Abstract: It is in the nature of chaotic atmospheric processes that weather forecasts will never be perfectly accurate. This natural fact poses challenges not only for private life, public safety, and traffic but also for electrical power systems with high shares of weather-dependent wind and solar power production.
TL;DR: PJM INTERConnection (PJM) was the first U.S. independent system operator/regional transmission organization (ISO/RTO) to demonstrate how battery energy storage resources provided frequency regulation services in a competitive market as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: PJM INTERConnection (PJM) was the first U.S. independent system operator/regional transmission organization (ISO/RTO) to demonstrate how battery energy storage resources provide frequency regulation services in a competitive market. Since its first pilot in 2009, PJM has integrated nearly 300 MW of advanced energy storage resources into its market. During this time period, ISO s/RTOs have developed rules to allow energy storage resources to participate in wholesale electricity markets. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state lawmakers have also taken steps to create an environment in which energy storage resources play an increasing role in the reliable operation of the power grid. This article outlines the storage technologies operating in PJM today and the wholesale products they provide to the market as well as discusses services that energy storage resources may provide in the future along with integration opportunities, resulting in a larger amount of storage deployed within the grid.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define a microgrid as the resources-generation, storage, and loads-within a boundary that are managed by the controller, and the controller is the defining and enabling technology.
Abstract: The microgrid is a concept for which the controller is the defining and enabling technology. Indeed, the microgrid may be defined as the resources-generation, storage, and loads-within a boundary that are managed by the controller.
TL;DR: Energy storage has been lauded as the holy grail of energy technologies as mentioned in this paper, and low-cost energy storage, proponents say, will usher in a new era in power systems, enabling large penetrations of variable renewable energy technologies and reshaping the way electricity networks deliver energy
Abstract: Energy storage has long bee n lauded as the holy grail of energy technologies. Low-cost energy storage, proponents say, will usher in a new era in power systems, enabling large penetrations of variable renewable energy technologies and reshaping the way electricity networks deliver energy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the increased interdependence and rapid penetration of variable renewable energy sources (varRE) make the gas-electricity nexus a primary concern and opportunity for energy system flexibility.
Abstract: The energy system is a complex network of physical infrastructure and markets interacting closely with one another. Within this network, the gas and electricity systems have become the backbone of modern energy production. Both systems are closely interconnected due to the vast deployment of efficient combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) over the first decade of the 2000s, mainly in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. This increased interdependence and rapid penetration of variable renewable energy sources (varRE) make the gas-electricity nexus a primary concern and opportunity for energy system flexibility.
TL;DR: In this article, a large generator trips offline, and frequency drops quickly to the point where a block of load is shed to restore the balance between generation and load, however, disengaging those feeders disconnects not only the load but also the PV generation on those feeder; so balance is not restored and frequency continues to drop.
Abstract: It's a sunny day in Honolulu, Hawaii , and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems across the island are serving a significant penetration of the load. A large generator trips offline, and frequency drops quickly-to the point where a block of load is shed to restore the balance between generation and load. However, disengaging those feeders disconnects not only the load but also the PV generation on those feeders; so balance is not restored and frequency continues to drop.
TL;DR: New York REV (Reforming the Energy Vision) proceeding launched in 2015 are a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels and a mandate for 50% of the state's electricity to be generated from renewable resources by 2030.
Abstract: New York State is pioneering a new approach to regulating its electric utility companies that is expected to usher in the distributed energy system of tomorrow. Among the goals of the New York REV (Reforming the Energy Vision) proceeding launched in 2015 are a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels and a mandate for 50% of the state's electricity to be generated from renewable resources by 2030. In 2014, 25% of New York's electric generation was produced by renewables, of which 80% was from hydropower. In addition to these and other objectives, the New York Public Service Commission has identified the need to establish a distributed system platform provider (DSPP), which will facilitate new markets to accelerate adoption and realize the value of distributed energy resources (DERs). To do this, the incumbent utilities will perform the role of the DSPP and create and operate the distributed system platform (DSP). Building the DSP is a big task, and each of the New York utilities is in the process of deploying it according to their distribution system implementation plans (DSIPs).
TL;DR: In this paper, storage facilities can provide value to various electricity sectors through several services, which can be grouped into five main classes, which are classified into three main classes: storage, distribution, transmission, and distribution.
Abstract: It is well known that storage facilities can provide value to various electricity sectors through several services, which we group into five main classes.
TL;DR: The significant growth of wind and photovoltaic generation experienced in many countries around the world will soon challenge the ability of transmission system operators (TSOs) to guarantee the security of supply.
Abstract: The Significant growth of wind and photovoltaic generation experienced in many countries around the world will soon challenge the ability of transmission system operators (TSOs) to guarantee the security of supply. To cope with such future low-carbon electricity systems, it is imperative to increase the portfolio of flexibility sources in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This is likely to require exploring solutions beyond the use of traditional players connected at higher voltages, such as fast-acting generation plants and large customers.
TL;DR: The Philadelphia Navy Yard (TNY) is a fast-evolving community microgrid, currently home to over 150 companies and four Navy activity centers occupying nearly 7.5 million ft2 of buildings in which approximately 12,500 people are employed as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Philadelphia Navy Yard is a fast-evolving community microgrid, currently home to over 150 companies and four Navy activity centers occupying nearly 7.5 million ft2 of buildings in which approximately 12,500 people are employed. The Navy Yard (TNY) is a national center of excellence for energy research, education, and commercialization, focused specifically on community microgrid design and development. TNY microgrid is equipped with the most cost-effective and sustainable means for meeting electric capacity and energy needs through renewable resources, energy efficiency, and distribution grid infrastructure. This article briefly describes how the community microgrid was conceived and planned to produce a great success story of microgrid implementation and the details of the design, development, and implementation of TNY's microgrid controller.
TL;DR: The United States has increased its percentage of electric energy generated from wind and solar from lower than 1% to 7.5%, Europe from approximately 3% to over 13%, and China from 1%to 5% as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Electric infrastructure worldwide has evolved significantly over the last decade, as nations increase the renewable share of their generation portfolio and build transmission to move energy from the resources to the load centers. Since 2007, the United States has increased its percentage of electric energy generated from wind and solar from lower than 1% to 7.5%, Europe from approximately 3% to over 13%, and China from 1% to 5%.