Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgrids
16 May 2011-Vol. 99, Iss: 6, pp 1074-1082
TL;DR: This paper focuses on DER-based distribution, the basics of microgrids, possibility of smart distribution systems using coupled microgrid and the current state of autonomous microgrid technology.
Abstract: The distribution system provides major opportunities for smart grid concepts. One way to approach distribution system problems is to rethinking our distribution system to include the integration of high levels of distributed energy resources, using microgrid concepts. Basic objectives are improved reliability, promote high penetration of renewable sources, dynamic islanding, and improved generation efficiencies through the use of waste heat. Managing significant levels of distributed energy resources (DERs) with a wide and dynamic set of resources and control points can become overwhelming. The best way to manage such a system is to break the distribution system down into small clusters or microgrids, with distributed optimizing controls coordinating multimicrogrids. The Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTSs) concept views clustered generation and associated loads as a grid resource or a “microgrid.” The clustered sources and loads can operate in parallel to the grid or as an island. This grid resource can disconnect from the utility during events (i.e., faults, voltage collapses), but may also intentionally disconnect when the quality of power from the grid falls below certain standards. This paper focuses on DER-based distribution, the basics of microgrids, possibility of smart distribution systems using coupled microgrid and the current state of autonomous microgrid technology.
Citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors survey the literature till 2011 on the enabling technologies for the Smart Grid and explore three major systems, namely the smart infrastructure system, the smart management system, and the smart protection system.
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.
2,433 citations
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: This article surveys the literature till 2011 on the enabling technologies for the Smart Grid, and explores three major systems, namely the smart infrastructure system, the smart management system, and the smart protection system.
2,337 citations
Cites background from "Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..."
...Lasseter [135] also pointed out that using microgrids in the distribution system is straightforward and also simplifies the implementation of many SG functions....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the latest models and assessment techniques that are currently available to analyze MES and in particular DMG systems, including for instance energy hubs, microgrids, and VPPs (virtual power plants), as well as various approaches and criteria for energy, environmental, and technoeconomic assessment.
1,060 citations
Cites background from "Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..."
...In fact, an idea of increasing interest is to deploy the heat rejected from small scale thermal generators to supply local communities so as to create district energy Microgrids with DMG and controllable multi-energy loads....
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...[62] Pudjianto D, Ramsay C, Strbac G. Microgrids and virtual power plants: concepts to support the integration of distributed energy resources....
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...Such an approach is consistent with the utilization of RES for district energy systems, and requires aggregation and control concepts such as Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) that will be discussed in Section 3.1....
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...[74] Hatziargyriou N, Asano H, Iravani R, Marnay C. Microgrids....
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...In contrast, the DER-CAM tool allows for investment analysis over the lifetime of the project, although its focus is on electrical Microgrids that are relatively confined from a geographically point of view....
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TL;DR: This paper presents a review of issues concerning microgrid issues and provides an account of research in areas related to microgrids, including distributed generation, microgrid value propositions, applications of power electronics, economic issues, micro grid operation and control, micro grids clusters, and protection and communications issues.
Abstract: The significant benefits associated with microgrids have led to vast efforts to expand their penetration in electric power systems. Although their deployment is rapidly growing, there are still many challenges to efficiently design, control, and operate microgrids when connected to the grid, and also when in islanded mode, where extensive research activities are underway to tackle these issues. It is necessary to have an across-the-board view of the microgrid integration in power systems. This paper presents a review of issues concerning microgrids and provides an account of research in areas related to microgrids, including distributed generation, microgrid value propositions, applications of power electronics, economic issues, microgrid operation and control, microgrid clusters, and protection and communications issues.
875 citations
Cites methods from "Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..."
...…control and power balancing by using the AC grid-connected converter under normal power and load variation; coordinated DC voltage control and power balancing by using the gridconnected converter and ESS during the AC grid fault and grid-connected converter power limit; and islanded operation…...
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TL;DR: This paper provides a comprehensive review of various DR schemes and programs, based on the motivations offered to the consumers to participate in the program, and presents various optimization models for the optimal control of the DR strategies that have been proposed so far.
Abstract: The smart grid concept continues to evolve and various methods have been developed to enhance the energy efficiency of the electricity infrastructure. Demand Response (DR) is considered as the most cost-effective and reliable solution for the smoothing of the demand curve, when the system is under stress. DR refers to a procedure that is applied to motivate changes in the customers' power consumption habits, in response to incentives regarding the electricity prices. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of various DR schemes and programs, based on the motivations offered to the consumers to participate in the program. We classify the proposed DR schemes according to their control mechanism, to the motivations offered to reduce the power consumption and to the DR decision variable. We also present various optimization models for the optimal control of the DR strategies that have been proposed so far. These models are also categorized, based on the target of the optimization procedure. The key aspects that should be considered in the optimization problem are the system's constraints and the computational complexity of the applied optimization algorithm.
854 citations
Cites background from "Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..."
...A V2G system is able to provide energy and ancillary services from an electric vehicle to the grid....
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References
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20 Jun 2004
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a system approach which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a "microgrid". During disturbances, the generation and corresponding loads can separate from the distribution system to isolate the microgrid's load from the disturbance (providing UPS services) without harming the transmission grid's integrity.
Abstract: Application of individual distributed generators can cause as many problems as it may solve. A better way to realize the emerging potential of distributed generation is to take a system approach which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a "microgrid". During disturbances, the generation and corresponding loads can separate from the distribution system to isolate the microgrid's load from the disturbance (providing UPS services) without harming the transmission grid's integrity. This ability to island generation and loads together has a potential to provide a higher local reliability than that provided by the power system as a whole. In this model it is also critical to be able to use the waste heat by placing the sources near the heat load. This implies that a unit can be placed at any point on the electrical system as required by the location of the heat load.
1,685 citations
"Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..." refers background in this paper
...The coordination between sources and loads in an islanded microgrid is through frequency [ 7 ]....
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TL;DR: An overview of the microgrid operation is given in this paper, where the authors provide an overview of microgrid testing experiences from different counties in the US and provide a comparison of the performance of different microgrid systems.
Abstract: Distributed energy resources including distributed generation and distributed storage are sources of energy located near local loads and can provide a variety of benefits including improved reliability if they are properly operated in the electrical distribution system. Microgrids are systems that have at least one distributed energy resource and associated loads and can form intentional islands in the electrical distribution systems. This paper gives an overview of the microgrid operation. Microgrid testing experiences from different counties was also provided.
628 citations
"Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..." refers background in this paper
...A better way to realize the emerging potential of distributed energy resources is to take a system approach viewing DER and associated loads as a grid resource or a Bmicrogrid[ [ 6 ]....
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TL;DR: In this article, a synchronous voltage source is implemented by a multi-pulse inverter using gate turn-off (GTO) thyristors for shunt compensation, series and phase angle control.
Abstract: This paper describes a novel approach in which solid-state synchronous voltage sources are employed for the dynamic compensation and real time control of power flow in transmission systems. The synchronous voltage source is implemented by a multi-pulse inverter using gate turn-off (GTO) thyristors. It is capable of generating internally the reactive power necessary for network compensation, and is also able to interface with an appropriate energy storage device to negotiate real power exchange with the AC system. The paper develops a comprehensive treatment of power flow control using solid-state synchronous voltage sources for shunt compensation, series and phase angle control. It also describes the unique unified power flow controller that is able to control concurrently or selectively all three network parameters (voltage, impedance, transmission angle) determining power transmission. Comparison of the synchronous voltage source approach with the more conventional compensation method of employing thyristor-switched capacitors and reactors shows its superior performance (including the unmatched capability of using both reactive and real power compensation to counteract dynamic disturbances), uniform applicability, smaller physical size, and potentially lower overall cost. >
553 citations
TL;DR: The CERTS Microgrid concept captures the emerging potential of distributed generation using a system approach as discussed by the authors, which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a "microgrid" and provides uninterruptible power-supply services, such as disconnecting from the utility during large events (i.e., faults, voltage collapses), but may also intentionally disconnect when the quality of power from the grid falls below certain standards.
Abstract: The CERTS Microgrid concept captures the emerging potential of distributed generation using a system approach. CERTS views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a “microgrid.” The sources can operate in parallel to the grid or can operate in island, providing uninterruptible power-supply services. The system can disconnect from the utility during large events (i.e., faults, voltage collapses), but may also intentionally disconnect when the quality of power from the grid falls below certain standards. CERTS Microgrid concepts were demonstrated at a full-scale test bed built near Columbus, OH, and operated by American Electric Power. The testing fully confirmed earlier research that had been conducted initially through analytical simulations, then through laboratory emulations, and finally through factory acceptance testing of individual microgrid components. The islanding and resynchronization method met all Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard 1547 and power-quality requirements. The electrical protection system was able to distinguish between normal and faulted operation. The controls were found to be robust under all conditions, including difficult motor starts and high impedance faults.
442 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the energy storage system and the power electronic interface included in microsources of the CERTS microgrid and evaluate the performance of an example microsource, which includes a synchronous generator, a storage module and an electronic interface.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the energy storage system and the power electronic interface included in microsources of the CERTS microgrid. CERTS stands for the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions. The consortium was formed in 1999 to research, develop, and disseminate new methods, tools, and technologies to protect and enhance the reliability of the U.S. electric power system and efficiency of competitive electricity markets. To provide the plug-and-play feature and the power quality requirements of the CERTS microgrid, all microsources regardless of their prime mover type must have a unified dynamic performance. This necessitates attaching an energy storage module to some or all of the microsources. The storage module is attached to the prime mover through a power electronic interface that couples the microsource to the microgrid. Details of the energy storage module, the power electronic interface and the corresponding controls are described. Performance of an example microsource, which includes a synchronous generator, a storage module and an electronic interface, is studied. Dynamic performance of the example microsource when operating in the CERTS microgrid is evaluated based on digital time-domain simulations in the EMTP-RV software environment. Effectiveness of the storage module, the electronic interface and the corresponding controls in enhancing the microsource performance is verified.
390 citations
"Smart Distribution: Coupled Microgr..." refers background in this paper
...Sources need a fast-response energy storage module to minimize the impacts of source dynamics on the microgrid operation, [ 10 ]....
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