What is it about?
The European directive ‘‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’’ (November 2016) depicts for 2030 a new scenario for low-voltage distribution grids, where each end-user will have the right to trade energy and offer demand-response in the electrical market, either individually or in aggregation with others. This paradigm shift in the low-voltage electric market became possible due to an increasing penetration of distributed generation, information and communication technology, and power electronics in low- voltage distribution grids. This new scenario can be addressed by making reference to Local Area Energy Networks (E-LANs), that is, energy networks with degrees of scalability, flexibility, reliability, robustness, and readiness similar to LANs of digital devices, which may represent the basic tile of a larger patchwork, the Internet of Energy. This paper introduces an optimal control approach of E-LANs that applies to poly- phase grids of whatever structure, complexity, variety of power sources and storage units, and multiplicity of connection to utilities. The proposed control can adapt to end users’ attitude, ensure full exploitation of distributed energy sources, and prevent overstress of distribution infrastructure. The control operation is demonstrated by referring to a couple of application examples considering both steady-state and transient conditions.
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Why is it important?
E-LAN analysis, design, and control require new approaches and tools capable to face the problem complexity and ensure the targeted performances. This is the aim of this paper, which approaches single-phase networks at first. In particular, Section 2 analyzes single-phase E-LAN behavior in general terms, based on electric network theory; Section 3 derives the input–output equa- tions needed for control; Section 4 approaches the E-LAN optimal control problem. Section 5 discusses the extension to three-phase systems, and Section 6 discusses the control algorithm implemen- tation. Finally, Section 7 reports simulation data of realistic case studies. Section 8 concludes the paper, while mathematical details are reported in the Appendices.
Perspectives
E-LANs can revolutionize the grid architecture and operation. Crucial innovations are: (i) Network meshing, to improve stiffness and efficiency of the distribution system. (ii) Multi-point coupling to the mains, to improve reliability and quality of supply while allowing independent interaction with multiple utilities. (iii) Self- configuration, to ensure flexible and plug-and-play operation of any kind of distributed energy resources (DERs). (iv) Dynamic power sharing, for full exploitation of energy sources while pre- venting useless circulation of active and reactive currents. (v) Active power steering, to direct the power flow through optimal paths, thus ensuring dispatchability of every energy source, com- pliance with end-users attitudes, and preventing thermal runaway of system components. (vi) Active isolation, to deactivate the ser- viced lines without operating circuit breakers, thus keeping alive the rest of the grid.
Dr Tommaso Caldognetto
University of Padova
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Optimal control of Local Area Energy Networks (E-LAN), Sustainable Energy Grids and Networks, March 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.segan.2018.03.002.
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