Voltage and frequency control for future power systems: the ELECTRA IRP proposal

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper a high level functional architecture for frequency and voltage control for the future (2030+) power system is presented. The proposal suggests a decomposition of the present organization of power system operation into a "web of cells". Each cell in this web is managed by a single system operator who assumes responsibility for real-time balance and voltage control of the cell, minimizing the dependency on inter-cell communication for secure system operation. The web-of-cells architecture ensures overall system stability by a combination of decentralized and distributed control patterns for frequency and voltage control. In each control cell, the operator maintains an accurate view on the overall cell state, based on adequate monitoring capabilities, and ensures secure operation by allocating and dispatching reserves located in the cell. Intercell coordination provides for efficient system-wide management and economic optimization.

Towards modeling future energy infrastructures — the ELECTRA system engineering approach

“…The high level architectural concept, called WoC, is summarized in [9]. The ELECTRA project aims for a decomposition of the existing organization of system operation into a so-called WoC.…”

“…In the first phase of the ELECTRA project, six highlevel use cases [9] have been identified. Through a process of technical refinement and prioritization of alternatives, detailed variants of the high-level use cases have been described.…”

Robust Allocation of Reserve Policies for a Multiple-Cell Based Power System

“…These range from developing proper control schemes for individual component operation such as hierarchical aggregation method [9,10] to radical rethinking of system operations [11][12][13][14]. Traditionally, the system is kept secure by distinguishing the role between transmission system operators (TSO) and distribution system operators (DSO).…”

“…To address the aforementioned problem, the European FP7 project ELECTRA IRP proposes and develops a Web-of-Cells (WoC) architecture for operating the future power system [11][12][13][14]. In this approach, the power systems operation is divided into connected cells, each responsible for their own balancing and voltage control, thus establishing a robust, decentralized horizontal decomposition as opposed to the conventional centralized and vertical system operation.…”

A use case methodology to handle conflicting controller requirements for future power systems

“…As organizing principle, the future system is operated in a distributed architecture consisting in which grid regions are operated as Cells independently and coordinated by cell operators. The high level architectural concept, called Web-of-Cells, is summarized in [2]. A greenfield development with such a wide scope, tight coupling and the ambition of lab-based evaluation of the research needs to be supported with an appropriate requirements elicitation and management strategy.…”