Distributed energy systems integration and demand optimization for autonomous operations and electric grid transactions

Abstract

Distributed power systems in the U.S. and globally are evolving to provide reliable and clean energy to consumers. In California, existing regulations require significant increases in renewable generation, as well as identification of customer-side distributed energy resources (DER) controls, communication technologies, and standards for interconnection with the electric grid systems. As DER deployment expands, customer-side DER control and optimization will be critical for system flexibility and demand response (DR) participation, which improves the economic viability of DER systems. Current DER systems integration and communication challenges include leveraging the existing DER and DR technology and systems infrastructure, and enabling optimized cost, energy and carbon choices for customers to deploy interoperable grid transactions and renewable energy systems at scale. This paper presents a cost-effective solution to these challenges by exploring communication technologies and information models for DER system integration and interoperability. This system uses open standards and optimization models for resource planning based on dynamic-pricing notifications and autonomous operations within various domains of the smart grid energy system. It identifies architectures and customer engagement strategies in dynamic DR pricing transactions to generate feedback information models for load flexibility, load profiles, and participation schedules. The models are tested at a real site in California-Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL). The results for FHL show that the model fits within the existing and new DR business models and networked systems for transactive energy concepts. Integrated energy systems, communication networks, and modeling tools that coordinate supply-side networks and DER will enable electric grid system operators to use DER for grid transactions in an integrated system.

Quantifying flexibility of commercial and residential loads for demand response using setpoint changes

“…More specifically, this study indicates that the inter-hourly demand response magnitude is not as useful as intra-hourly demand response for promoting additional renewable energy resources. On the other hand, demand response has also been used to integrate with customer-side distributed energy resources to enable optimal grid transactions [3].…”

Modelling and optimization of a natural gas supply system at a transient stage: a case study of China

“…Geographic Information System was applied to develop an urban energy system model and plan sustainable energy systems in cities [7]. Spatially modelling were widely applied in other energy systems, including power grid [8], power generation capacity [9] and considering carbon policy [10], distributed energy systems [11], bioenergy [12] and hydrogen [13].…”

Optimal scheduling of distributed energy resources as a virtual power plant in a transactive energy framework

“…There are several references addressing the optimal operation strategy for DERs in a transactive energy framework. These papers examine different bidding strategies, alternative electricity generation technologies and market structures and optimization approaches (Chen and Hu, 2016), (Wang et al, 2016), (Ghatikar et al, 2016), (Kardakos et al, 2016), (Bejestani et al, 2014).…”