Advanced Modelling of DER-Rich Active Distribution Networks

July 2021

Description

A 5-day PhD-level course that covers fundamental and advanced modelling of active distribution networks with deep penetration of distributed energy resources (DER).

Topics that are discussed include:

Power flow and optimal power flow algorithms suitable for diverse applications of active distribution networks with DER
Consideration for uncertainty arising from renewables
Provision of flexibility and grid services from DER, distributed multi-energy systems and community energy systems
Fundamentals of distributed energy markets.

Videos for all the 5 days are available. Slides and other content for Day 3 are also available.

Structure

Each day has 4 lecture blocks (approximately 55 minutes of lecture time including Q&A).

Day 1 (Prof Steven Low): The OPF Problem and Convex Relaxations
Day 2 (Prof Steven Low): OPF for Distribution Networks
Day 3 (Prof Nando Ochoa): Orchestration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Active Distribution Networks
Day 4 (Dr Maria Vrakopoulou): Decision-Making Under Uncertainty due to Renewables
Day 5 (Prof Pierluigi Mancarella): DER Flexibility and Techno-Economic Modelling

Day 1

Prof Steven Low: The OPF Problem and Convex Relaxations

Day 1 Block 1: Power flow models and solutions

Day 1 Block 1
Day 1 Block 2: OPF and semidefinite relaxations

Day 1 Block 2
Day 1 Block 3: Analytical properties

Day 1 Block 3
Day 1 Block 4: Other convex relaxations

Day 1 Block 4

Day 2

Prof Steven Low: OPF for Distribution Networks

Day 2 Block 1: Branch flow models for radial networks

Day 2 Block 1
Day 2 Block 2: OPF and semidefinite relaxations

Day 2 Block 2
Day 2 Block 3: Multi-phase unbalanced radial networks

Day 2 Block 3
Day 2 Block 4: Example and application

Day 2 Block 4

Day 3

Prof Nando Ochoa: Orchestration of DER and Active Distribution Networks

Day 3 Block 1: The role and challenges of OPF in distribution
Day 3 Block 1
Slides: Click here
Further Reading and Other Materials
- Hardware-in-the-loop demonstration of advanced control schemes for active distribution networks, IEEE/PES ISGT Latin America 2019
- Using OPF for Smart Grids: From Concept to Reality, YouTube 2018
- State-of-the-art techniques and challenges ahead for DG planning and optimization, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2013
More on DER and Network Modelling
- On the role of integrated MV-LV network modelling in DER studies, CIRED Workshop 2020
- Statistical representation of EV charging: Data analysis and applications, PSCC 2018
- Probabilistic impact assessment of low carbon technologies in LV distribution systems, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2016
- Increasing the PV hosting capacity of LV networks: OLTC-fitted transformers vs. reinforcements, IEEE/PES ISGT 2015
- On the integrated PV hosting capacity of MV and LV distribution networks, IEEE/PES ISGT Latin America 2015
- Assessing the benefits of PV var absorption on the hosting capacity of LV feeders, IEEE/PES ISGT Europe 2013
Day 3 Block 2: OPF and DER-rich distribution networks
Day 3 Block 2
Slides: Click here
AIMMS Instructions
- Step 1. Install AIMMS.
  - Affiliated with a University. Install the free academic license of AIMMS. You will need to register (https://licensing.cloud.aimms.com/license/academic.htm).
  - Non-affiliated with a University. Install the free academic license of AIMMS. You will need to register (https://licensing.cloud.aimms.com/license/community.htm).
  - Wait for their confirmation emails and follow their installation instructions (using the license they give you).
- Step 2. Launch AIMMS and accept the terms and conditions.
- Step 3. Download the AIMMS code and copy all the files (including the subfolder) to your PC or laptop.
- Step 4. Using AIMMS, open the file "ACOPF.aimms".
- Step 5. Play with the code!
  - Click on the tab 'Pages' (bottom left) and then double-click on 'Results' (top right, part of the 'Page Tree').
  - The pre-loaded network parameters and structure correspond to a small MV (balanced) network with three buses 1-2-3.
  - The pre-loaded objective function is to maximise the sum of the active power outputs of the set of Generators.
  - The AC OPF is an NLP problem that works well with CONOPT - which is available with the free license version of AIMMS. So, pick that one (go to \Settings\Solver Configuration).
Further Reading on Balanced OPF
- Assessing the potential of network reconfiguration to improve distributed generation hosting capacity in active distribution systems, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2015
- State-of-the-art techniques and challenges ahead for DG planning and optimization, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2013
- Minimizing energy losses: Optimal accommodation and smart operation of renewable distributed generation, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2011
- Distribution network capacity assessment: Variable DG and active networks, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2010
- Demonstrating the capacity benefits of dynamic ratings in smarter distribution networks, IEEE/PES ISGT 2010
More on DER Hosting Capacity (without OPF)
- Multi-year planning of LV networks with EVs accounting for customers, emissions and techno-economics aspects: A practical and scalable approach, IET Generation Transmission & Distribution 2021
- Probabilistic impact assessment of low carbon technologies in LV distribution systems, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2016
- Increasing the PV hosting capacity of LV networks: OLTC-fitted transformers vs. reinforcements, IEEE/PES ISGT 2015
- On the integrated PV hosting capacity of MV and LV distribution networks, IEEE/PES ISGT Latin America 2015
- Assessing the benefits of PV var absorption on the hosting capacity of LV feeders, IEEE/PES ISGT Europe 2013
Day 3 Block 3: Three-phase OPF: Lessons learned from large-scale realistic implementations
Day 3 Block 3
Slides: Click here
Further Reading and Other Materials
- Ensuring Distribution Network Integrity Using Dynamic Operating Limits for Prosumers, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2021 (In Press)
- On the Implementation of OPF-Based Setpoints for Active Distribution Networks, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2021
- On the fairness of PV curtailment schemes in residential distribution networks, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grid, 2020
- OPF-based CVR operation in PV-rich MV-LV distribution networks, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems, 2019
- Advanced control of OLTC-enabled LV networks with PV systems and electric vehicles, IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2019
- Implementable Three-Phase OPF Formulations for MV-LV Distribution Networks: MILP and MIQCP, IEEE/PES ISGT Latin America 2019
- AC OPF for smart distribution networks: An efficient and robust quadratic approach, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2018
- Control of EV charging points for thermal and voltage management of LV networks, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems 2016
Day 3 Block 4: DER and network integrity: Meter-level operating envelopes
Day 3 Block 4
Slides: Click here
Further Reading and Other Materials
- Grid and Market Services from the Edge, IEEE Power & Energy Magazine, 2021
- Ensuring Distribution Network Integrity Using Dynamic Operating Limits for Prosumers, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2021 (In Press)
- On the Implementation of OPF-Based Setpoints for Active Distribution Networks, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2021
- Managing residential prosumers using operating envelopes: An Australian case study, CIRED Workshop 2020
- Operating envelopes for prosumers in LV networks: A weighted proportional fairness approach, IEEE/PES ISGT Europe 2020
- On the fairness of PV curtailment schemes in residential distribution networks, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grid, 2020
- Impacts of price-led operation of residential storage on distribution networks: An Australian case study, IEEE PES PowerTech 2019
- OPF-based CVR operation in PV-rich MV-LV distribution networks, IEEE Trans. on Power Systems, 2019
- Implementable Three-Phase OPF Formulations for MV-LV Distribution Networks: MILP and MIQCP, IEEE/PES ISGT Latin America 2019
- AC OPF for smart distribution networks: An efficient and robust quadratic approach, IEEE Trans. on Smart Grids, 2018
More about Project EDGE and ARENA Initiatives

Day 4

Dr Maria Vrakopoulou: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty due to Renewables

Day 4 Block 1: Renewable energy integration challenges

Day 4 Block 1
Day 4 Block 2: Stochastic OPF with approximate solutions

Day 4 Block 2
Day 4 Block 3: Stochastic OPF with AC-feasible solutions

Day 4 Block 3
Day 4 Block 4: Co-optimization of energy and reserves

Day 4 Block 4

Day 5

Prof Pierluigi Mancarella: DER Flexibility and Techno-Economic Modelling

Day 5 Block 1: Modelling flexibility from DER aggregation

Day 5 Block 1
Day 5 Block 2: Flexibility from distributed multi-energy systems

Day 5 Block 2
Day 5 Block 3: Smart districts and community energy systems

Day 5 Block 3
Day 5 Block 4: Distributed energy marketplaces and grid services

Day 5 Block 4