Project EDGE update: Reactive power and voltage regulation devices to enhance operating envelopes
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In this online seminar hosted by the Melbourne Energy Institute, Prof Nando Ochoa and Dr Michael Liu from the University of Melbourne, together with John Theunissen from AusNet Services and Nick Regan from AEMO, present the latest updates on the $28-million ARENA-funded Project EDGE.
Project EDGE (Energy Demand and Generation Exchange) is a multi-year project that aims to demonstrate a proof-of-concept Distributed Energy Resource Marketplace that could efficiently provide both wholesale and local network services within the constraints of the power distribution grid.
The concept of ‘operating envelopes’ is being explored as a possible way to orchestrate the bidirectional flows from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) – which include everything from solar PV to batteries, electric vehicles and future vehicle-to-grid – while ensuring the integrity of existing poles and wires..
Two clear opportunities exist to enhance operating envelopes and make the most of DERs: the use of reactive power from active customers (so they can help counteract the effects of exports or imports), and the use of voltage regulation devices, such as on-load tap changers at zone substations (so voltage headroom or legroom can be improved). However, both options present multiple challenges.
In this seminar, discussion will focus on how operating envelopes can be enhanced using reactive power and voltage regulation devices. Presenters will also discuss how the calculation of operating envelopes, now being trialled by AusNet Services using algorithms developed by the University of Melbourne, need to be further adapted.