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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2021) | Viewed by 28620

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Prof. Dr. Hannu Laaksonen

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School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, PB 700, 65101 Vaasa, Finland
Interests: smart grids; flexible energy systems; microgrids; protection and control of electricity; market concepts for smart grids; peer-to-peer energy trading
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the future, utilization of distribution network (MV and LV) connected controllable and flexible distributed energy resources (DER), i.e., flexibilities is needed to improve local and system-wide grid resiliency, maximize integration of renewable energy resources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs), and minimize the whole-system costs and customer electricity prices. However, this requires new management and protection solutions for future resilient distribution networks enabled by digitalization and advanced ICT technologies. In addition, there is a need for new distribution network operation and planning principles based on active utilization of flexibilities. Further, new, compatible, distribution network market schemes, business models and regulation structures need to permit active utilization of flexibilities to provide different services and also take strongly into account the role of customers with different needs.

Prof. Dr. Hannu Laaksonen
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Active management and protection solutions for future digital distribution networks with flexible energy resources
Application of advanced ICT technologies (edge/cloud computing, 5G, AI) as part of future control and self-healing and proactive protection solutions
DER control principles in future distribution networks for local (DSO) and system-wide (TSO) needs
Planning of flexible and resilient distribution networks with DER, microgrids and energy communities
Simultaneous consideration of multiple voltage levels (LV, MV, HV), location of flexibilities, increased DSO/TSO interaction and cyber security in operation, and planning of future resilient distribution networks
Challenges and barriers for utilization of new solutions/flexibility tools in operation and planning of future DSO networks
Local energy and flexibility market/interaction/management/aggregation platforms and operation of future distribution networks
Effects of digitalization, data-analytics, and more customer-focused, service-based business models on the future role of DSOs

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Service Restoring Reconfiguration for Distribution Networks Considering Uncertainty in Available Information

by Hirotaka Takano, Junichi Murata, Kazuki Morishita and Hiroshi Asano

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4169; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11094169 - 02 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

The recent growth in the penetration of photovoltaic generation systems (PVs) has brought new difficulties in the operating and planning of electric power distribution networks. This is because operators of the distribution networks normally cannot monitor or control the output of the PVs, which introduces additional uncertainty into the available information that operations must rely on. This paper focuses on the service restoration of the distribution networks, and the authors propose a problem framework and its solution method that finds the optimal restoration configuration under extensive PV installation. The service restoration problems have been formulated as combinatorial optimization problems. They do, however, require accurate information on load sections, which is impractical in distribution networks with extensively installed PVs. A combined framework of robust optimization and two-stage stochastic programming adopted in the proposed problem formulation enables us to deal with the PV-originated uncertainty using readily available information only. In addition, this problem framework can be treated by a traditional solution method with slight extensions. The validity of the authors’ proposal is verified through numerical simulations on a real-scale distribution network model and a discussion of their results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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27 pages, 7363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Flexible Distribution Systems: Future Adaptive Management Schemes

by Hannu Laaksonen, Hosna Khajeh, Chethan Parthasarathy, Miadreza Shafie-khah and Nikos Hatziargyriou

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3709; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11083709 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4630

Abstract

During the ongoing evolution of energy systems toward increasingly flexible, resilient, and digitalized distribution systems, many issues need to be developed. In general, a holistic multi-level systemic view is required on the future enabling technologies, control and management methods, operation and planning principles, regulation as well as market and business models. Increasing integration of intermittent renewable generation and electric vehicles, as well as industry electrification during the evolution, requires a huge amount of flexibility services at multiple time scales and from different voltage levels, resources, and sectors. Active use of distribution network-connected flexible energy resources for flexibility services provision through new marketplaces will also be needed. Therefore, increased collaboration between system operators in operation and planning of the future power system will also become essential during the evolution. In addition, use of integrated cyber-secure, resilient, cost-efficient, and advanced communication technologies and solutions will be of key importance. This paper describes a potential three-stage evolution path toward fully flexible, resilient, and digitalized electricity distribution networks. A special focus of this paper is the evolution and development of adaptive control and management methods as well as compatible collaborative market schemes that can enable the improved provision of flexibility services by distribution network-connected flexible energy resources for local (distribution system operator) and system-wide (transmission system operator) needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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21 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Definition of Discrete Choice Models of EV Owners Based on Different Socio-Demographic Aspects

by Martina Kajanova and Peter Bracinik

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3679; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11083679 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1558

Abstract

With an increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs), their owners’ involvement in the control of electric power systems and their market seems to be the only option for stable operation of future power networks. However, these people usually have little knowledge about power systems’ operation and follow just their interests. Therefore, this paper deals with the decision-making process of EV drivers at the charging station. The paper presents the stated preference survey used to collect the responses to hypothetical scenarios, where respondents chose between three alternatives, namely slow charging, fast charging, and vehicle-to-grid services. The survey also contained questions about respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, as gender, age, etc. The decision-making prediction models for each socio-demographic characteristic were created using the acquired data. The paper presents the estimated parameters of the attributes affecting the respondents’ choices for the models that allow models’ simple implementation. Knowing these models and the customers’ composition, the operators of the charging stations or the distribution networks could better estimate EV owners’ behavior and so their expected power demand. Moreover, operators could more effectively implement incentives for their customers and affect the customers’ behavior in a way that is suitable for better operation of their power systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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38 pages, 5045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of the Electricity Distribution Networks—Active Management Architecture Schemes and Microgrid Control Functionalities

by Katja H. Sirviö, Hannu Laaksonen, Kimmo Kauhaniemi and Nikos Hatziargyriou

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2793; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11062793 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4121

Abstract

The power system transition to smart grids brings challenges to electricity distribution network development since it involves several stakeholders and actors whose needs must be met to be successful for the electricity network upgrade. The technological challenges arise mainly from the various distributed energy resources (DERs) integration and use and network optimization and security. End-customers play a central role in future network operations. Understanding the network’s evolution through possible network operational scenarios could create a dedicated and reliable roadmap for the various stakeholders’ use. This paper presents a method to develop the evolving operational scenarios and related management schemes, including microgrid control functionalities, and analyzes the evolution of electricity distribution networks considering medium and low voltage grids. The analysis consists of the dynamic descriptions of network operations and the static illustrations of the relationships among classified actors. The method and analysis use an object-oriented and standardized software modeling language, the unified modeling language (UML). Operational descriptions for the four evolution phases of electricity distribution networks are defined and analyzed by Enterprise Architect, a UML tool. This analysis is followed by the active management architecture schemes with the microgrid control functionalities. The graphical models and analysis generated can be used for scenario building in roadmap development, real-time simulations, and management system development. The developed method, presented with high-level use cases (HL-UCs), can be further used to develop and analyze several parallel running control algorithms for DERs providing ancillary services (ASs) in the evolving electricity distribution networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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14 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sub/Super-Synchronous Oscillation Oriented Dominant Controller Parameters Stability Region Based on Gerschgorin Disk Theorem

by Song Ke, Tao Lin, Yibiao Sheng, Hui Du, Shuitian Li, Baoping Chen, Rusi Chen and Qingyan Li

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1205; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11031205 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

Since the development of renewable power generation, Sub/Super-Synchronous Control Interac-tion (SSCI), has attracted wide attention. Sub/super-synchronous oscillation (SSO) belongs to the category of small signal stability, and its characteristics are closely related to the operation mode and controller parameters in power grid. The operation mode of renewable power system changes frequently, a method to construct controller parameter stability region (PSR) is proposed for online assessment of the matching degree of controller parameters in power grid under current operation mode. Based on Gerschgorin disk theorem (GDT), eigenvalue distribution range of the system state matrix is estimated, thus the feasible value set of the controller parameter is deduced through small signal stability criterion. The stability margin evaluation index is proposed for guiding the prevention and control of SSO. Specifically, the preconditions of the application of the GDT on the PSR construction are discussed, and a construction method of transition matrix is proposed for the PSR construction. Furthermore, to reduce the conservativeness of PSR, an extension method for PSR is given. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by a realistic benchmark. The efficiency of the proposed method is highlighted by comparing with the point-wise eigenvalue calculation of the state matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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13 pages, 3602 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Droop Method Development for Microgrids Control Considering Higher Order Sliding Mode Control Approach and Feeder Impedance Variation

by Abdonaser Saleh-Ahmadi, Mazda Moattari, Amir Gahedi and Edris Pouresmaeil

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 967; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11030967 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2326

Abstract

Due to the growing power demands in microgrids (MGs), the necessity for parallel production achieved from distributed generations (DGs) to supply the load required by customers has been increased. Since the DGs have to procure the demand in parallel mode, they are faced with several technical and economic challenges, such as preventing DGs overloading and not losing network stability considering feeder impedance variation. This paper presents a method that upgrades the droop controller based on sliding mode approach, so that DGs are able to prepare a suitable reactive power sharing without error even in more complex MGs. In the proposed strategy, the third-order sliding mode controller significantly reduces the V-Q error and increases the accuracy in adjusting the voltage at the DG output terminals. Various case studies conducted out in this paper validate the truthfulness of the proposed method, considering the stability analysis using Lyapunov function. Finally, by comparing the control parameters of the proposed technique with existing methods, the superiority, simplicity and effectiveness of the 3rd order sliding mode control (SMC) method are determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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17 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incentive Price-Based Demand Response in Active Distribution Grids

by Karthikeyan Nainar, Jayakrishnan Radhakrishna Pillai and Birgitte Bak-Jensen

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 180; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11010180 - 27 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1793

Abstract

Integration of PV power generation systems at distribution grids, especially at low-voltage (LV) grids, brings in operational challenges for distribution system operators (DSOs). These challenges include grid over-voltages and overloading of cables during peak PV power production. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being installed alongside PV systems by customers for smart home energy management. This paper investigates the utilization of those BESS by DSOs for maintaining the grid voltages within limits. In this context, an incentive price based demand response (IDR) method is proposed for indirect control of charging/discharging power of the BESS according to the grid voltage conditions. It is shown that the proposed IDR method, which relies on a distributed computing application, is able to maintain the grid voltages within limits. The advantage of the proposed distributed implementation is that the DSOs can compute and communicate the incentive prices thereby encouraging customers to actively participate in the demand response program. An iterative distributed algorithm is used to compute the incentive prices of individual BESS to minimize the costs of net power consumption of the customer. The proposed IDR method is tested by conducting simulation studies on the model of a Danish LV grid for few study cases. The simulation results show that by using the proposed method for the control of BESS, node voltages are maintained within limits as well as the costs of net power consumption of BESS owners are minimized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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18 pages, 3742 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Novel Control Strategy to Active Power Filter with Load Voltage Support Considering Current Harmonic Compensation

by Saeedeh Torabi Jafrodi, Mojgan Ghanbari, Mehrdad Mahmoudian, Arsalan Najafi, Eduardo M. G. Rodrigues and Edris Pouresmaeil

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(5), 1664; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10051664 - 01 Mar 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3401

Abstract

This paper outlines some modifications to conventional active power filters (APFs) to compensate for the non-linearity of the load current. Since the APFs inject the required non-linearity of the load harmonic current to make the current source sinusoidal, a combination of passive power filters (PPFs) and APFs in series connection are more effective rather than individual usages. The proposed control approach based on sliding mode control (SMC) with a suitable sliding surface selection being applied to the proposed hybrid APF to increase the flexibility and reduce the complexity of the controller. An outstanding tracking process based on the reference current in the rotating dq frame is tested and guarantees the rapid convergence exponentially. An extra control loop is provided for DC link voltage regulation to minimize the DC ripples and control the APF three-phase output voltage levels. The presented solution provides an effective and straightforward load voltage support, maintaining an excellent dynamic performance in load changing and current compensation. The experimental results represent the authenticity of the proposed hybrid APF performance through several different tests, implying a feasible control approach for active filtering systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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15 pages, 1035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Self-Healing Strategy for Distribution Network with Distributed Generators Considering Uncertain Power-Quality Constraints

by Song Ke, Tao Lin, Rusi Chen, Hui Du, Shuitian Li and Xialing Xu

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(4), 1469; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10041469 - 21 Feb 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2038

Abstract

Self-healing of smart distribution networks with distributed generators, which are usually operated as independent islands after fault, can improve power-supply reliability. As a hot research topic, a self-healing scheme is usually treated as the output of a nonlinear optimizuoation model. However, existing strategies have two main shortcomings. The first, high-optimization dimension, results in low-optimization efficiency. The second, the effects of power-quality issues, which are more serious on islands and may further threaten the safe operation of islands, is usually neglected. To quickly obtain a reliable self-healing scheme, a novel strategy is proposed. As the first step, the distribution network after a fault occurrence can be divided into several trouble-free subnets via the connectivity analysis; each subnet is called an initial island. Further, for each initial island, a two-step optimization model of self-healing, which consists of load-shedding optimization and network reconfiguration optimization, is proposed to obtain the self-healing strategy with lower searching space as well as higher solving efficiency. In detail, in load-shedding optimization, by means of heuristic differential evolution algorithm, larger total recovery capacity is achieved by considering the droop characteristic of distributed generators (DGs) within the permissible change in frequency. In network-reconfiguration optimization, based on the improved hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm, a comprehensive set of power-quality constraints, including constraint of change in frequency, uncertain constraints of node voltage total harmonic distortion (THD), and negative sequence components of DGs, is developed to guarantee the reliability of each island. To evaluate whether the constraints are satisfied during the optimization procedure, an improved flexible power-flow algorithm is developed to calculate the power flow of each island under change in frequency. Further, 2m+1-point estimate method is employed for uncertainty analyses of the distributions of harmonic and negative sequence components caused by the uncertainty of corresponding sources. Finally, via a 94-node practical distribution network, the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed strategy in safety, recovery capacity, and optimization efficiency are verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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22 pages, 6304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Selected Point of Voltage Reference on the Apparent Power Measurement in Three-Phase Star Systems

by Vicente León-Martínez, Joaquín Montañana-Romeu, Elisa Peñalvo-López and Carlos M. Álvarez-Bel

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(3), 1036; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10031036 - 04 Feb 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2493

Abstract

The phenomenon responsible for the different apparent powers measured in a subsystem of a three-phase star-configured system, based on the voltage reference point, was identified in this paper using specific components of the instantaneous powers, as a result of applying the conservation of energy principle to the entire system. The effects of the phenomenon were determined using a proposed apparent power component referred to as the neutral-displacement power, whose square is the quadratic difference between the apparent powers of a subsystem, measured using two voltage reference points. The neutral-displacement power is a component of the apparent power, which is determined using the values of the zero-sequence voltages and the line currents in that subsystem. Expressions of the proposed power were derived using the Buchholz apparent power formulations. The validation of the derived expressions was checked in the laboratory and in a real-world electrical network, using a well-known commercial analyzer and a prototype developed by the authors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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15 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Distribution Network Information Processing Based on Power Data Virtual Plane

by Zhidong Wang, Yingdong Ni, Zifan Zhang, Gan Wang, Zhifeng Chen, Fengqiang Deng, Zhengbin Pu, Ling Yang, Yongjun Zhang, Ruijue Feng and Lin Guo

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(3), 736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10030736 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

Due to the diversity and complexity of distribution networks, the classical modular software development method may face the difficulty in modular division, data sharing and collaboration of different specialties. Inspired by the idea of separating the control plane from the data forwarding plane in software-defined networking (SDN), a method of power data virtual plane is proposed in this paper to improve software development efficiency. Layered processing of power data virtual plane is designed to meet the diversity characteristics of intelligent distribution network and the multi-source and heterogeneous characteristics of information. This paper introduces the design idea and implementation process of virtual plane in detail. The main component of the power data virtual plane, power data warehouse and application scheduling are presented. Finally, the performance of the proposed virtual plane method is verified by practical distribution network examples with different communication networks and information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Distribution Network Solutions)

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