Development of an agent-based distribution test feeder with smart-grid functionality

Abstract

Abstract-This paper reports on the development of an agentbased distribution test feeder with smart-grid functionality. The test feeder is based on an actual distribution feeder with various additional features incorporated, including rooftop photovoltaic generation and price-responsive loads (e.g., plug-in electric vehicles and intelligent air-conditioning systems). This work aims to enable the integrated study of wholesale electric power markets coupled with detailed representations of the retail-side distribution systems.

A Review of Power Distribution Test Feeders in the United States and the Need for Synthetic Representative Networks

“…This 13.2 kV test feeder referred in [50] is obtained from a real distribution network in Iowa where the peak power is close to 14 MVA. Customers are equipped with several smart-grid features, like rooftop PV panels, and price-responsive loads with time series data (e.g., smart air-conditioning devices and electric vehicles).…”

A Review of Agent and Service-Oriented Concepts Applied to Intelligent Energy Systems

“…Jahangiri et al [94] introduce an agent-based distribution test feeder. Some of its components are modeled as interacting agents; for instance, a residence agent who determines the comfort-cost trade-offs, a plug-in electric vehicle agent trying to minimize energy costs considering feasible travel routes, and the photovoltaic agent who tries to maximize the harvested solar power with subject to panel surface area as well as weather conditions.…”

Voltage and reactive power regulation by photovoltaics in distribution systems

“…A so-called "agent-based distribution test feeder" (ABDTF) has been developed by the authors [69], based on an actual feeder of an electric utility in Iowa, with detailed specifications for feeder equipment (such as fuses, switches, overhead and underground conductors, and service transformers) as well as for residential and/or commercial customers, including the floor areas of the houses. 6 The peak power of the feeder at the substation is reported by the utility to be approximately 14 MVA, and the primary distribution voltage is 13.2 kV.…”

“…In general, VAr compensation reduces transmission loss, maximizes power transmission capability, enhances stability, and helps support the supply voltage [69,[73][74][75][76]. In distribution systems, reactive power is typically supplied from capacitor banks, although power electronic equipment can be used as well [77,78].…”