Search results for "smart grids."
showing 10 items of 56 documents
Enhanced islanding detection in smart interface protection systems of distributed generation
2021
The widespread presence of distributed generators (DGs) and storage systems (DSSs) in electricity grids has increased the risk of islanding occurrence. This phenomenon must be suitably managed by Distribution System Operators (DSO), in order to avoid adverse situations, in terms of grid-protection problems, equipment damage, safety hazards, power quality problems and so on. Currently anti-islanding protection functions are handled by interface protection systems (IPSs), which are built in accordance with relevant standards for DGs and DSSs connection to power systems. However, some problems may occur in case of operation within the so-called non detection zone (NDZ). This paper presents an …
Hybrid passive and communications-based methods for islanding detection in medium and low voltage smart grids
2013
Islanding condition takes place when a distributed generator (DG) continues to power a part of the grid even if power from electric utility is no longer present. Adverse effects of islanding are power quality deterioration, grid-protection interference, equipment damage, and personnel safety hazards. For these reasons, DG systems must detect an islanding condition and immediately disconnect from the grid (anti-islanding protection). This paper proposes an hybrid solution, for both low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) applications, which makes use of passive and communication-based methods for islanding detection. Among the existing communication technologies, the study is focused on pow…
A Coexistence Analysis of Blockchain, SCADA Systems, and OpenADR for Energy Services Provision
2022
The advent of blockchain technology allows the raise of new business models for the electricity market, opening the way also to end-users and letting them offer regulation services to the power grid. Thanks to the characteristic of being distributed, the blockchain technology could be a solution to balancing problems caused by the penetration of renewable sources, implementing a platform for Demand-Response programs delivery. Demand-Response allows consumers to respond to market signals by increasing or reducing their energy consumption, contributing to greater flexibility and stability of the grid and to a more efficient use of infrastructures and energy resources. Currently, Demand-Respon…
Modelling energy storage systems using Fourier analysis: An application for smart grids optimal management
2014
In this paper, a new and efficient model for variables representation, named F-coding, in optimal power dispatch problems for smart electrical distribution grids is proposed. In particular, an application devoted to optimal energy dispatch of Distributed Energy Resources including ideal storage devices is here considered. Electrical energy storage systems, such as any other component that must meet an integral capacity constraint in optimal dispatch problems, have to show the same energy level at the beginning and at the end of the considered timeframe for operation. The use of zero-integral functions, such as sinusoidal functions, for the synthesis of the charge and discharge course of bat…
On the use of narrow band power line as communication technology for medium and low voltage smart grids
2012
The aim of this work is to perform a feasibility study on the power line communication for the development of a new generation of interface devices (IDs) for smart grid applications. More in detail, this paper deals with one of the most important issues on this topic which is the communication system. Among the existing communication technologies, the study is focused on power line communications (PLCs). After a analysis of the state of the art in the field, the main aspects are analyzed, concerning the open issues on the use of PLCs, especially for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) systems. In this work the use of PLC in MV-LV networks is investigated, by means of simulations and ex…
Smart grids: the next future of electrical distribution systems
2011
Currently, the design and operation criteria for electrical distribution networks are fastly changing due to some factors; among these, the progressive penetration of Distributed Generation(DG) is destined to cause deep changes in the existing networks, no longer considered as passive terminations of the whole electrical system. Moreover, the increasing application of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) will allow the implementation of the so called “smart grids”, determining new interesting scenarios. In the paper the problems and the potential benefits of DG, the possible new electrical distribution system models and the major research projects on smart grids are faced and report…
Multi-modal search for multiobjective optimization: an application to optimal smart grids management
2012
This paper studies the possibility to use efficient multimodal optimizers for multi-objective optimization. In this paper, the application area considered for such new approach is the optimal dispatch of energy sources in smart microgrids. The problem indeed shows a non uniform Pareto front and requires efficient optimal search methods. The idea is to exploit the potential of agents in population-based heuristics to improve diversity in the Pareto front, where solutions show the same rank and are thus equally weighted. Since Pareto dominance is at the basis of the theory of multi-objective optimization, most algorithms show the non dominance ranking as quality indicator, with some problem i…
A new low cost power line communication solution for smart grid monitoring and management
2018
Modern smart grids require the improvement of measurement and communication infrastructures of distribution networks, at both medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) levels. Distributed sensing and measurement systems are needed to provide all necessary data for grid monitoring, control and management, as well as for the implementation of a number of smart functionalities, such as remote control of distributed generators (DGs), real time analysis of power flows, automatic meter reading (AMR), demand side management (DSM), grid automation and so on [1]-[6]. Acquired network data include typical electrical network quantities and status variables (such as powers, voltages, currents, switches …
A Perspective on the Future of Distribution: Smart Grids, State of the Art, Benefits and Research Plans
2013
Currently, the design and operation criteria for electrical distribution networks are fastly changing due to some factors; among these, the progressive penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) is destined to cause deep changes in the existing networks, no longer considered as passive terminations of the whole electrical system. Moreover, the increasing application of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) will allow the implementation of the so called “smart grids”, determining new interesting scenarios. In the paper the problems and the potential benefits of DG, the possible new electrical distribution system models and the major research projects on smart grids are faced and repor…
Experimental evaluation of an hybrid communication system architecture for smart grid applications
2015
In this paper a new communication system architecture is proposed for the development of a SCADA system which can remotely monitor and control intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) connected to the low voltage distribution networks, i.e low voltage smart meter (SM), interface protection devises (IPS). New distributed metering systems and interface devices, together with a proper communication infrastructure (HiperLAN and narrowband power line communication (NB-PLC) on low voltage network), have been developed to allow monitoring the whole power system and controlling the distributed generators of a Smart Grid also in the presence of harmonic distortions. In this way, the electrical energy d…