Year 2040 the goal is to have a 100 % renewable Swedish energy system. Svenska kraftnät (Svk) predicts fully decommissioned nuclear power plants and an increased amount of connected wind power plants, especially offshore, year 2045. These kind of renewable power plants are non-synchronous and do not provide the grid with the same system stability services naturally as synchronous generators, such as nuclear power plants. With the increased number of renewables connected, one future challenge is to maintain the stability of the power grid. Grid stability can be divided into voltage-, frequency- and rotor angle stability.This thesis has investigated how large-scale offshore wind power plants (OWPPs) can contribute with reactive power compensation and in turn voltage stability to a nearby onshore power grid in Sweden. The evaluation has been done from the perspective of the TSO and the OWPP owner interests, with a focus on grid codes, economic incentives and technical capabilities.This project has been made in three parts. First, a comparison of voltage stability control requirements in different European grid codes was made. Secondly, static power flow simulations of a case study of a 1000 MW OWPP have been performed in PowerWorld Simulator, testing the OWPP’s reactive power outputs under different circumstances. Thirdly, a market opportunity analysis has been completed, analyzing reactive power market opportunities for OWPPs as well as for TSOs.The study shows that the reactive power capabilities of the simulated OWPP is considerable higher than the Swedish grid codes requires. Thus, an opportunity is to make the grid codes stricter, in combination with economic incentives. The case study showed that the distance offshore has an impact of the reactive power reaching the grid onshore. Though, the OWPP’s contribution to local voltage stability onshore is considered as good. Finally, with short- and long-term contracts, a reactive power market can be favorable for both the OWPP owner and the TSO.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering / Shelli K. Starrett / Monitoring and control of modern power systems have become very complex tasks due to the interconnection of power grids. These large-scale power grids confront system operators with a huge set of system inputs and control parameters. This work develops and compares intelligent systems-based algorithms which may be considered by power system operators or planners to help manage, process, and evaluate large amounts of data due to varying conditions within the system. The methods can be used to provide assistance in making operational control and planning decisions for the system in a timely manner. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is tested and validated on four different power systems. First, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are developed and compared for two different voltage collapse indices and utilizing two different-sized sets of inputs. The ANNs monitor and evaluate the voltage profile of a system and generate intelligent conclusions regarding the status of the system from a voltage stability perspective. A feature reduction technique, based on the analysis of generated data, is used to decrease the number of inputs fed to the ANN, decreasing the number of physical quantities that need to be measured. The major contribution of this work is the development of four different algorithms to control the VAR resources in a system. Four different objectives were also considered in this part of the work, namely: minimization of the number of control changes needed, minimization of the system power losses, minimization of the system's voltage deviations, and consideration of the computational time required. Each of the algorithms is iterative in nature and is designed to take advantage of a method of decoupling the load flow Jacobian matrix to decrease the time needed per iteration. The methods use sensitivity information derived from the load flow Jacobian and augmented with equations relating the desired control and dependent variables. The heuristic-sensitivity based method is compared to two GA-based methods using two different objective functions. In addition, a FL algorithm is added to the heuristic-sensitivity algorithm and compared to a PS-based algorithm. The last part of this dissertation presents the use of one of the GA-based algorithms to identify the size of shunt capacitor necessary to enhance the voltage profile of a system. A method is presented for utilizing contingency cases with this algorithm to determine required capacitor size.

This thesis report describes the modeling procedure for available the wind turbine generator (WTG) technologies. The models are generic in nature and manufacturer independent. These models are implemented on commercially available dynamic simulation software platforms like PSCAD/EMTDC and MATLAB/SIMULINK. A brief introduction to the available WTG types is provided to understand the technological differences and their key features. The related theoretical concepts to the working of a WTG are explained, which acts as an aid for model development and implementation. Using the theoretical concepts as basis, a WTG model is divided into four parts : 1. Aerodynamic model 2. Mechanical drive train model 3. Electrical machine model 4. Controller model Once the different parts of a WTG are introduced, a groundwork for model implementation on the software platforms is laid. A step-by-step process of implementing a PSCAD or MATLAB model of a WTG is introduced in this thesis. Starting with the most fundamental WTG technology such as fixed-speed also known as direct-connect wind turbine. The model implementation is adanvced to other superior technology like the dynamic rotor resistance control (DRR) and the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). To better understand the working of a DFIG, a current-source regulated model (without electrical machine) emulating the DFIG is built on both PSCAD and MATLAB. A full blown converter model of the DFIG with back-to-back converter is then built in PSCAD/EMTDC. An approach to determine the reactive power capability (Q limits) of a DFIG is described. Rotor current limitation and stator current limitation of the DFIG are considered in determining the minimum and maximum reactive power delievered by the DFIG. Variation in the Q limits of a DFIG for change in wind speed is analysed with two different wind speed scenarios. 1. Wind speed from cut-in to rated i.e. 6 m/s - 14 m/s. 2. Wind speed above rated to cut-out i.e. 14 m/s - 20 m/s. Such an analysis, is useful in determining the operating mode of the DFIG. At low wind speeds (below rated), the DFIG can be operated as a STATCOM for exporting and importing reactive power (similar to synchronous machines). While above rated wind speeds, the DFIG can be set to produce maximum active power. Using the DFIG current-source model implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK, laboratory experiments to plot the power profile of the DFIG is explained. Another experiment to perform independent P-Q control of the DFIG is also included in this report. / text

Rise of the global environmental awareness and climate change impacts caused by greenhouse gases emissions brings about a revolution in the power and energy industries to reduce fossil fuels and promote low-carbon and renewable distributed generation (DG). The new dimensions, mainly encouraged by the governments’ legislative targets and incentives, have allowed the development of DG worldwide. In the U.K., renewable DG especially wind is being connected on distribution networks and ranges widely in scales. Despite the growing number of potential DG sites, the surplus generation present on the passive networks can lead to some technical problems. In particular, rural networks where wind farms exist are prone to voltage rise and line thermal constraints. In order to accommodate new DG and ensure security of supply and network reliability, active management to mitigate these issues are required. In addition, the duties to provide cost-effective DG connections at avoided expensive investment incurred from conventional solutions, e.g., reinforcement and maintain robust network are a major challenge for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). This thesis endeavours to develop an adaptive control scheme that provides local and real-time management against voltage variations and line capacity overload at the point of wind connections on rural distribution networks. Taking into account maximising power exports and providing an economically-viable control scheme, the wind turbine’s capability, comprising reactive power control and active power curtailment, is used. Whilst the thesis concentrates on the decentralised control applying several different algorithms, in addition, semi-coordinated and centralised approaches that adopt on-load tap changing transformers’ regulation and Optimal Power Flow tool are developed. Comparisons of these approaches based upon measures, i.e., economics, DG penetration and performance are determined. As an outcome, the developed scheme can enable growing integration of renewable DG on distribution networks and can be seen as an interim solution for the DNOs towards Smart Distribution Networks.

M.Ing. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

A Geração Distribuída no Brasil tem crescido ao longo dos anos, especialmente na fonte fotovoltaica e na categoria que a ANEEL denomina microgeração distribuída, que são centrais geradoras de energia elétrica com potência instalada menor ou igual a 75 kW e conectada na rede de distribuição por meio de instalações de unidades consumidoras. Apesar dos problemas tradicionais que podem ocorrer com a inserção em larga escala, como maiores perdas e desvios de tensão, as placas fotovoltaicas, conectadas à rede de distribuição por meio de um inversor, trazem a possibilidade de controlar a tensão no ponto de conexão, manipulando-se o fator de potência de saída do inversor, controlando a potência reativa. Neste contexto, considerando o uso dos inversores inteligentes com possibilidade de envio de sinal remotamente ao operador e a possibilidade de criação de Centros de Despacho de Geração Distribuída (CDGD), este trabalho tem por objetivo propor uma metodologia de regulação de tensão centralizada utilizando unidades de microgeração fotovoltaicas, em redes de distribuição com larga inserção. A metodologia proposta utiliza o conceito de despacho de potência reativa e fluxo de potência reativa ótimo, por meio de uma abordagem centralizada da rede, utilizando-se o software OpenDSS e MatLab, equipado com Algoritmo Genético (AG) para solucionar o problema de otimização. Para avaliar o desempenho do modelo, foram feitos estudos de caso no sistema IEEE 123 barras e em uma rede real em Alegrete. Os resultados obtidos validam a abordagem proposta, demonstra a aplicabilidade e limitações em casos reais. / The distributed generation in Brazil has increased in the past years, specially in photovoltaic power generation, at the category that Brazilian Electric Regulator ANEEL classifies as "distributed micro-generation", i.e., generation units in which the active power capacity is equal or bellow 75kW and conected on distribution network by the consumers. Despite the traditional problems that might occur due to high penetration of the units, e.g., higher losses and voltage sags and swells, they are conected to the network through an inverter that can be controlled in order to provide or consume reactive power, providing voltage regulation. In that context, considering the use of intelligent inverters that can be remotely operated by a centralized utility operator, this work aims to propose a centralized voltage regulation methodology using distributed micro-generation in distribution networks. The proposed methodology uses the concept of reactive power dispatch and optimal power flow, from a centralized view of the network, using the software MatLab and OpenDSS with Genetic Algorithm to solve the optimization problem. To evaluate the model, simulations were performed with the IEEE 123 bus system and with a real distribution network from the Alegrete city, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The results show the proposed is valid, despite some limitations on real cases.

Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para enumerar soluções, que indiquem a barra e a compensação de potência reativa necessária para o sistema elétrico sob análise, que atendam aos requisitos avaliados pela função objetivo e as restrições. Nessa alocação de compensação ótima de potência reativa, obtemos as melhores barras e configurações de potências e tecnologias de dispositivos de compensação, minimizando as perdas totais de potência ativa da rede. Em redes fracas com conversores de frequência (por exemplo, para conexão de fontes renováveis, ou interligações utilizando conversores HVDC), esta metodologia proposta busca a melhor relação de curto-circuito trifásico (SCR) no ponto de conexão do conversor de frequência, melhorando a conexão da barra de interesse. O método busca soluções para alocar um único dispositivo de compensação, e soluções alocando simultaneamente dois dispositivos. A metodologia proposta baseia-se na enumeração exaustiva das soluções, e o estudo de caso nos sistemas de 14 e 30 barras do IEEE mostrou a aplicabilidade e funcionalidade da metodologia proposta. / This work proposes a methodology to enumerate solutions, which indicate the bar and the reactive power compensation required for the electrical system under analysis, that meet the requirements evaluated by the objective function and the constraints. In this allocation of optimal compensation of reactive power, we obtain the optimal bars and technologies of compensation devices, minimizing the total losses of active power of the network. In weak networks with frequency converters (e.g. for connection of renewable sources, or interconnections using HVDC converters), the proposed methodology seeks the best threephase short-circuit (SCR) relation at the connection point, improving the connection of the new generation. The method looks for solutions to allocate a single compensation device, and solutions to allocate two devices simultaneously. The proposed methodology is based on the exhaustive enumeration of the solutions. A case study carried out in the IEEE 14 and 30 bus systems shows the applicability and performance of the proposed methodology.

Orientador: Antonio Roberto Balbo / Banca: Leonardo Nepomuceno / Banca: Marcelo Suetake / Banca: Washington Alves de Oliveira / Banca: Daniela Renata Cantane / Resumo: O problema multiobjetivo de despacho econômico e ambiental com efeito de pontos de carregamento de válvula e com perdas de potência ativa, é um problema de otimização multiobjetivo, não convexo e não-diferenciável. Por apresentar tais características, normalmente, é resolvido na literatura, através de abordagens heurísticas de otimização. Com a inserção da representação da transmissão (fluxo de potência) ao problema multiobjetivo, o mesmo torna-se mais complexo de ser solucionado. Devido a estas dificuldades, são escassas as abordagens determinísticas de otimização para solução destes tipos de problemas, uma vez que elas necessitam do cálculo de derivadas parciais, enquanto que, as heurísticas não necessitam. Portanto, os principais objetivos deste trabalho são: propor uma abordagem determinística para a solução dos problemas em destaque e comparar com outros métodos disponíveis na literatura, principalmente os métodos heurísticos e meta-heurísticos. A abordagem determinística proposta tem as seguintes características: tratar a natureza multiobjetivo dos problemas através da estratégia de Restrições Canalizadas Progressivas (RCP); utilizar uma técnica de suavização de funções para lidar com a não diferenciabilidade e, por fim, utilizar um método de rescalamento não-linear, baseado na função barreira logarítmica modificada, com procedimento previsor-corretor e estratégia de correção de inércia para resolver os subproblemas resultantes da estratégia RCP. A metodologia proposta ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The multiobjective economic and environmental dispatch problem with valve-point loading effects and losses is a multiobjective, non-convex and non-differentiable optimization problem. Due to these characteristics, it has been solved in the literature mainly by heuristic approaches. The addition of the network representation to the multiobjective problem makes it more complex to be solved. Due to these difficulties, there are few deterministic optimization approaches for solving these problems. While deterministic optimization approaches require the calculation of partial derivatives, heuristic approaches do not. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to propose a deterministic approach to solve these problems and compare it with other methods available in the literature, especially the heuristic and metaheuristic methods. The proposed deterministic approach has the following characteristics: the multiobjective nature of the problems is handled through the Progressive Bounded Constraint (PBC) strategy, a smoothing function technique is employed to deal with the cost function non-differentiability and, finally, the non-linear rescaling method, based on the modified logarithmic barrier function, with predictorcorrector procedure and inertia correction strategy, is applied to solve the single objective subproblems resulting from the PBC method. The proposed methodology is applied to the test systems with 2, 6, 10, 19 and 40 generators for the multiobjective dispatch proble... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

In this dissertation, several volt-var optimization methods have been proposed to improve the expected performance of the distribution system using distributed renewable energy sources and conventional volt-var control equipment: photovoltaic inverter reactive power control for chance-constrained distribution system performance optimisation, integrated distribution system optimization using a chance-constrained formulation, integrated control of distribution system equipment and distributed generation inverters, and coordination of PV inverters and voltage regulators considering generation correlation and voltage quality constraints for loss minimization. Distributed generation sources (DGs) have important benefits, including the use of renewable resources, increased customer participation, and decreased losses. However, as the penetration level of DGs increases, the technical challenges of integrating these resources into the power system increase as well. One such challenge is the rapid variation of voltages along distribution feeders in response to DG output fluctuations, and the traditional volt-var control equipment and inverter-based DG can be used to address this challenge. These methods aim to achieve an optimal expected performance with respect to the figure of merit of interest to the distribution system operator while maintaining appropriate system voltage magnitudes and considering the uncertainty of DG power injections. The first method is used to optimize only the reactive power output of DGs to improve system performance (e.g., operating profit) and compensate for variations in active power injection while maintaining appropriate system voltage magnitudes and considering the uncertainty of DG power injections over the interval of interest. The second method proposes an integrated volt-var control based on a control action ahead of time to find the optimal voltage regulation tap settings and inverter reactive control parameters to improve the expected system performance (e.g., operating profit) while keeping the voltages across the system within specified ranges and considering the uncertainty of DG power injections over the interval of interest. In the third method, an integrated control strategy is formulated for the coordinated control of both distribution system equipment and inverter-based DG. This control strategy combines the use of inverter reactive power capability with the operation of voltage regulators to improve the expected value of the desired figure of merit (e.g., system losses) while maintaining appropriate system voltage magnitudes. The fourth method proposes a coordinated control strategy of voltage and reactive power control equipment to improve the expected system performance (e.g., system losses and voltage profiles) while considering the spatial correlation among the DGs and keeping voltage magnitudes within permissible limits, by formulating chance constraints on the voltage magnitude and considering the uncertainty of PV power injections over the interval of interest. The proposed methods require infrequent communication with the distribution system operator and base their decisions on short-term forecasts (i.e., the first and second methods) and long-term forecasts (i.e., the third and fourth methods). The proposed methods achieve the best set of control actions for all voltage and reactive power control equipment to improve the expected value of the figure of merit proposed in this dissertation without violating any of the operating constraints. The proposed methods are validated using the IEEE 123-node radial distribution test feeder.

The general trends in the past decade of increasing solar cell efficiency, decreasing PV system costs, increasing government incentive programs, and several other factors have all combined synergistically to reduce the barriers of entry for PV systems to enter the market and expand their contribution to the global energy portfolio. The shortcomings of current inverter functions which link PV systems to the utility network are becoming transparent as PV penetration levels continue to increase. The solution this thesis proposes is an approach to control the inverters real and reactive power output to help eliminate the problems associated with PV systems at their origin and in addition provide the grid with ancillary support services. The design, modeling, and analysis of a grid-tied PV system was performed in the PSCAD software simulation environment. Results indicate that in the presence of grid disturbances the smart inverter can react dynamically to help restore the power system back to its normal state. A harmonic analysis was also performed indicating the inverter under study met the applicable power quality standards for distributed energy resources.