Voltage Regulation Performance Evaluation of Distributed Energy Resource Management via Advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Abstract

This paper evaluates the performance of coordinated control across advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), distributed energy resources (DERs), and distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) using an advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform. This platform provides a realistic laboratory testing environment, including accurate dynamic modeling of a real-world distribution system from a utility partner, real controllers (ADMS and DERMS), physical power hardware (DERs), and standard communications protocols. One grid service—voltage regulation—is evaluated to show the performance of the coordinated grid automation system. The testing results demonstrate that the coordinated DERMS and ADMS system can effectively regulate system voltages within target operation limits using DERs. The realistic laboratory HIL testing results give utilities confidence in adopting the grid automation systems to manage DERs to achieve system-level control and operation objectives (e.g., voltage regulation). This helps utilities mitigate potential risks (e.g., instability) prior to field deployment.

Integration of Utility Distributed Energy Resource Management System and Aggregators for Evolving Distribution System Operators

“…Moreover, because of the intermittent nature of the renewable DERs, in periods of low demand but high production of these resources (e. g., high solar irradiation or wind power), a new phenomenon of reverse power flow can occur. Consequently, this issue could inaccurately trigger the reaction of protective devices, as well as cause voltage problems and unpredicted variations along the feeders [11], [15]. Finally, it is very hard to accurately predict the behavior of renewable DGs using the traditional forecasting methods; thus, if left unmanaged in real time, this added uncertainty could cause issues in the operation planning and management of emerging distribution networks.…”

“…On the other hand, there are fully centralized enterprise systems that aim to provide services to the DSOs, to enable them to swiftly overcome the challenges that DERs impose on the distribution networks and their assets. These services range from providing situational awareness to manual/automatic DER control, constraint resolution, and advanced optimization applications for the efficient management of medium-to large-scale DERs and DER groups consisting of numerous small-scale units, with the objectives to provide operational and monetary benefits to the grid operators and engineers in the control room and to grid planners that are responsible for the network upgrades and the addition of new resources [11], [15].…”

“…Poorly planned and stochastic integration of DERs have been introducing challenges that are felt all over the distribution network. First, distribution network operators (DNOs) are facing increasing amounts of overloads on their feeders, over-/under-voltages at the DER buses, and protection coordination and sensitivity issues due to the dynamic and often unpredictable behavior of DERs [7] - [11]. Second, end-customers, including behind-the-meter DERs, now having an ability to produce more energy than they need, are becoming eager to trade with their excess energy and enter the electricity markets, but are often too small and do not possess economic leverage to gain significant attention and benefits from their services.…”

“…Nonetheless, such a core transition of traditionally passive distribution networks cannot be successfully performed without the accompanying modernization of control centers and the development of highly intelligent software systems to enable real-time observability, control, aggregation, and protection of increasingly complex distribution networks with huge numbers of DERs dispersed throughout the distribution network. Thus, emerging software solutions that are aimed to enable proper management and control of distribution networks with high penetration of DERs, called distributed energy resource management systems (DERMSs), come into play [7], [10], [11], [15].…”

“…Two examples-both often called DERMS-are DER aggregators and utility DERMS. Although the aim of both might seem similar-to manage and control DERs, these two solutions differ widely in their nature and responsibilities [11], [15]. This poor understanding of the available technologies and their functionalities often leads to distribution utilities being reluctant in implementing DERMS, which consequently defers DER integration, or even worse, leads to serious issues caused by high penetration of DERs, but without a proper tool for controlling and managing such an evolving environment.…”