Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has become a topic of intense policy debate at the state level in the United States (U.S.). Solar supporters have pointed to the economic development, environmental, and public health benefits this technology can provide. However, electric utilities and other interests have fought to scale back or cut favorable state PV policies as grid-connected solar PV installations have increased, due to decreased profits, grid complications, and customer fairness, among other reasons. This research first uses a hierarchical regression analysis with cross-sectional data from the years 2012–2013 to examine the suite of state-level policies used to encourage state non-utility PV installations. Comparing the impact of various policy approaches to other factors such as electricity costs, electricity market deregulation, per capita income, and the availability of solar energy resources, this research finds net energy metering to be the most important policy driver of non-utility PV installed capacity. Given this finding, the research shifts its focus to community net energy metering or shared solar, which is an innovative policy approach that allows multiple consumers to share the costs and benefits of ownership in an off-site solar PV facility, opening market access to a wide variety of individuals. Using the punctuated equilibrium framework and semi-structured telephone interviews with policy experts across the U.S. from the solar industry, environmental groups, government, and electric utilities, this research discovers that electric utility lobbying and an overall lack of attention have hindered community solar enabling legislation. However, opportunities exist for future development via increased participation, collaboration, and key events that may alter the policy equilibrium. Finally, this method is utilized in Virginia to more narrowly study why the state has dismissed community solar legislation multiple times. Such an approach is useful in understanding how other historically laggard states may adopt community net energy metering or shared solar legislation in the future.

Master of Science / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering / Noel N. Schulz / Wind energy is becoming one of the most widely implemented forms of renewable energy worldwide. Traditionally, wind has been considered a non-dispatchable source of energy due to the uncertainty of wind speed and hence the variable availability of wind power. Advances in technology allow the consideration of the impact of distributed wind turbines and farms on distribution systems. It is possible to combine the clean energy attributes of wind with the quickly dispatchable nature of a storage facility in order to provide the maximum amount of locally available power economically to the loads present on the distribution feeder. However, a monitoring and control system needs to be provided that is capable of detecting the changes associated with the distribution feeder load and also the variable generation output from the wind farms. This task can be accomplished using a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) which has very high sampling rates and hence can measure very rapid and dynamic changes in power levels associated with distribution feeder load and wind generation. The data which is obtained from these PMUs can be used to calculate the amount of distributed generation and storage that can be dispatched locally at the distribution feeder, thus resulting in a reduction in the peak load levels associated with the distribution feeder as seen by the substation monitoring system. Simulations will work to balance load requirements, wind generation output, and distributed storage providing a stable system utilizing maximum renewable resources. The standard IEEE 37-node distribution test feeder is used in the study. Probabilistic models are implemented for distribution feeder load, and the models are analyzed through simulations. Four different combinations of charging and discharging methods have been investigated. Two analytically different algorithms have been used for wind and battery dispatch, one based on forecasted load information and the other based on historical measurements obtained from PMUs. The strategies being investigated can also be used to implement other important applications such as distribution system state estimation, protection and instability prediction.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in ful lment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Johannesburg, 2016 / This research investigates the power sharing between distributed energy resources with voltage and frequency droop control. A case study based on voltage sources in an islanded microgrid is set up in the laboratory, referred to as: The Example Microgrid. The Example Microgrid consists of two synchronous generators, active and reactive power loads. A simulation model is constructed based on the laboratory set-up, where componentwise and system-wise testing are completed. The simulation results are validated with the experimental set-up, and it is concluded that the model accurately represents the physical system under steady-state conditions. Further simulation studies on conventional droop controllers are conducted based on the Example Microgrid model. The results indicate that the use of conventional droop control is inappropriate for small, low-voltage islanded microgrids. As a possible application of this work, three variations of adapted droop controllers are simulated and their performance evaluated. It is found that with the adapted droop controllers, the power sharing error can be minimised / M T 2016

Com o advento da geração distribuída, a operação do sistema de distribuição tem se modificado. Características dinâmicas que antes eram observadas somente no sistema de transmissão agora também podem estar presentes em sistemas de distribuição, como por exemplo, problemas relacionados às oscilações eletromecânicas. Devido à perspectiva de crescimento de conexões de geradores eólicos, fica evidente a possibilidade do aumento na produção de energia elétrica através de geradores assíncronos distribuídos. No sistema de distribuição estão presentes vários tipos de cargas, sendo uma das mais representativas, as cargas do tipo motor de indução. Este tipo de carga, na ocorrência de curto-circuitos no sistema pode provocar atraso na recuperação da tensão do sistema, conhecido como problema Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR). Depois que a falta é eliminada, a tensão pode permanecer em níveis significativamente reduzidos durante vários segundos. Esse atraso de tempo é geralmente causado pela alta concentração de motores de indução. Portanto, torna-se necessária a realização de estudos para analisar os impactos que esse tipo de fonte de energia pode trazer para o sistema elétrico bem como o impacto das cargas sobre o gerador eólico. Assim, este trabalho faz uma análise da influência de cargas do tipo motor de indução sobre o comportamento dinâmico de um DFIG conectado a um sistema de distribuição. Um gerador síncrono convencional também foi utilizado para fazer uma comparação com o DFIG. Como os dois geradores estão atuando com regulação de tensão, seria intuitivo pensar que as respostas dos dois na presença de cargas do tipo motor de indução, fossem semelhantes. No entanto, este trabalho mostra que diante do mesmo cenário, as máquinas têm comportamentos diversos e a reação é diferente dependendo do tipo de carga conectada ao sistema. Foi verificado que, quando existe o problema FIDVR devido à presença de cargas do tipo motor de indução, as oscilações na velocidade do DFIG são amplificadas. Já para o gerador síncrono, a carga do tipo motor de indução possui pouca influência nas oscilações eletromecânicas. / With the advent of distributed generation, the operation of the distribution system has been modified. Dynamic characteristics that were previously observed only in the transmission system can now also be present in distribution systems, such as problems related to electromechanical oscillations. Due to growth prospects of wind generator connections, it is evident the possibility of increasing the production of electricity through asynchronous distributed generators. In the distribution system several types of loads are present, being one of the most representative the loads of type induction motor. This type of load, the occurrence of short-circuits in the system can cause delay in the recovery of the system voltage, known as Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR) problem. After the fault is eliminated, the voltage can remain at significantly reduced levels for several seconds. This time delay is usually caused by the high concentration of induction motors. So, it is necessary to perform studies to analyze the impacts that this type of energy source can bring to the electrical system as well as the impact of the loads on the wind generator. Thus, this thesis makes an analysis of the influence of induction motor loads on the dynamic behavior of a DFIG connected to a distribution system. A conventional synchronous generator was also used to make a comparison with the DFIG. As the two generators are working with voltage regulation, it would be intuitive to think that the responses of the two in the presence of induction motor loads would be similar. However, this thesis shows that in the same scenario, the machines have different behaviors and the reaction is different according to the type of load connected to the system. It was verified that when there is the FIDVR problem due to the presence of the induction motor, the oscillations in the speed of the DFIG are amplified. For the synchronous generator, the induction motor has little influence on the electromechanical oscillations.

A geração de energia elétrica através de grandes empreendimentos, sejam hídricos, térmicos ou nucleares demandam cada vez mais, grandes investimentos e longo período de tempo para início de operação. Em contrapartida, a demanda por este insumo básico para o desenvolvimento e manutenção da sociedade cresce cada vez a um ritmo mais acelerado. Visando atender a essa demanda, existe uma tendência global de instalar uma maior quantidade de pequenas unidades geradoras, ligadas diretamente à rede primária ou á rede secundária de distribuição. Tais unidades são usualmente denominadas de geração distribuída (GD) e dispersa (Gdd), respectivamente. Dentre as diversas vantagens obtidas por estas formas de geração poderá haver aumento da confiabilidade do sistema elétrico, a possibilidade de postergar investimentos necessários à rede de distribuição e a diversificação da matriz energética com maior possibilidade de uso de fontes renováveis de energia. A partir deste conceito foi desenvolvida uma metodologia, fundamentada na teoria de planejamento agregado, para identificar e quantificar potenciais unidades de geração distribuída na área da concessionária de distribuição de energia elétrica, avaliando os respectivos custos e benefícios de cada oportunidade. Por meio destes resultados é possível classificar e, conseqüentemente, priorizar as instalações com maior interesse tanto para o consumidor como, principalmente, para a concessionária local de distribuição de energia. De forma complementar, foram desenvolvidos modelos que possibilitem considerar a geração dispersa no planejamento da expansão dos sistemas de distribuição, bem como avaliar fatores que limitem sua expansão no Brasil. Este trabalho prioriza a análise sob ponto de vista da concessionária de energia elétrica, prática ainda não usual no Brasil, mas com grande potencial de aplicação. / The generation of electrical energy through large power plants (hydro, thermal or nuclear) demands, each time larger investments and high time to be ready for operation. In the other hand, the demand for electrical energy, that is so necessary for the development and maintenance of the society, is growing each day faster. Looking at the attendance of this demand, there is a global tendency to install a larger quantity of small generators, connected directly to the secondary or primary distribution grid of the electrical utility company. These units are known as distributed generation (GD) and dispersed generation (Gdd). Out of the many advantages through the use of distributed generation, the reliability growth in the electrical system, possibility of postpone necessary investments in the distribution network presents high importance and diversify the energetic matrix with the possibility of use renewable resources. From this concept, it was developed a routine, based on the theory of aggregated planning to identify and quantify potential units of distributed generation in the utility company area, evaluating the costs and benefits of each connection for the utility company. Through the results it will be possible the classification of the most interesting units, allowing the decision in conjoint between the consumer and the utility company. As a complement, it was developed mechanisms to make possible to consider disperse generation on the planning of distribution systems expansion. It was also made an evaluation of the factors that restrict the expansion of the disperse generation in Brazil. This thesis focus the analysis considering the utility company impacts, what is not used in Brazil but has a large potential of application.

Um dos principais problemas que podem ocorrer em sistemas de distribuição ou de subtransmissão de energia elétrica com geração distribuída (GD) é o ilhamento. O ilhamento ocorre quando um ou mais geradores distribuídos alimentam uma porção do sistema que se encontra eletricamente isolada do restante do sistema elétrico. Logo, geradores distribuídos têm de ser equipados com esquema de proteção anti-ilhamento, pois a operação ilhada pode colocar em risco a segurança das pessoas e equipamentos e pode deteriorar a qualidade da energia elétrica suprida aos consumidores locais. Este trabalho está inserido no contexto de proteção de sistemas elétricos de distribuição com GD e propõe uma nova técnica passiva-inteligente de proteção anti-ilhamento para geradores síncronos distribuídos. O método proposto utiliza a mineração de dados do Data Mining of Code Repositories (DAMICORE), o qual possui grandes potencialidades para descobrir correlações em dados complexos. Para realizar essa tarefa, três algoritmos são executados em sequência. São eles: o Normalized Compression Distance (NCD) para calcular a matriz de distância do conjunto de dados; o Neighbor-Joining (NJ) para construir as árvores filogenéticas; e por fim o Fast Newman (FN) para buscar grupos na árvore filogenética nos quais os dados apresentam alto grau de independência. O método de detecção de ilhamento nesta dissertação utiliza 10 características importantes dos sinais de tensão e corrente trifásicas no ponto de acoplamento comum (PAC). Essas 10 características são utilizadas como entrada ao DAMICORE para formular um algoritmo baseado em mineração de dados capaz de detectar ilhamento e de diferenciá-los de outros tipos de distúrbios. Os resultados mostram que o método identifica o ilhamento corretamente, detectando-o rapidamente, especialmente nos casos em que a detecção do ilhamento por relés baseados em medidas de frequência falha ou é lenta. / One of the main issues that can occur into distribution power systems with distributed generation is islanding. Islanding occurs when one or more distributed generators feed a portion of the distribution system that becomes electrically isolated from the rest of the power system. Thus, distributed generators have to be equipped with anti-islanding protection schemes, because the islanded operation may put at risk the safety of people and the equipment. It can also deteriorate the power quality supplied to local consumers. This work is in the context of the protection schemes for distribution power systems with distributed generation and it proposes a new intelligent passive anti-islanding protection scheme for distributed synchronous generators. The scheme is based on the Data Mining of Code Repositories (DAMICORE), which finds the similarity within complex data sets. This task is performed by computing the following algorithms, in sequence: the Normalized Compression Distance (NCD) to calculate a distance matrix among the data sets; the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) to build the phylogenetic trees; and the Fast Newman (FN) to find clusters with high degree of independence by using the phylogenetic trees. The proposed method comprises the extraction of 10 important features of the three-phase voltages and currents measured at the point of common coupling of the distributed generator. These 10 features are then used as input to the DAMICORE in order to formulate a data mining-based algorithm capable of detecting islanding and of distinguishing it from other disturbances. The results show that the method identifies the islanding correctly, detecting it quickly, especially where the detection of islanding by frequency-based relays are slow.

This study is performed as a partial aid to a larger study that aims to determine if electromagnetic fields produced by underwater power cables have any effect on marine species. In this study, a new numerical method for calculating magnetic fields around subsea power cables is presented and tested. The numerical method is derived from electromagnetic theory, and the program, Matlab, is implemented in order to run the simulations. The Matlab code is validated by performing a series of tests in which the theoretical code is compared with other previously validated magnetic field solvers. Three main tests are carried out; two of these tests are physical and involve the use of a magnetometer, and the third is numerical and compares the code with another numerical model known as Ansys. The data produced by the Matlab code remains consistent with the measured values from both the magnetometer and the Ansys program; thus, the code is considered valid. The validated Matlab code can then be implemented into other parts of the study in order to plot the magnetic field around a specific power cable. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Voltage is one of the most important parameters for electrical power networks. The Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have the responsibility to maintain the voltage supplied to consumers within statutory limits. On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC) transformer equipped with Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) relay is the most widely used and effective voltage control device. Due to a variety of advantages of adding Distributed Generation (DG), more and more distributed resources are connected to local distribution networks to solve constraints of networks, reduce the losses from power supply station to consumers. When DG is connected, the direction of power flow can be reversed when the DG output power exceeds the local load. This means that the bidirectional power flow can either be from power grid towards loads, or vice versa. The connection point of DG may suffer overvoltage when the DG is producing a large amount of apparent power. The intermittent nature of renewable energy resources which are most frequently used in DG technology results in uncertainty of distribution network operation. Overall, conventional OLTC voltage control methods need to be changed when DG is connected to distribution networks. The required voltage control needs to address challenges outlined above and new control method need to be formulated to reduce the limitations of DG output restricted by current operational policies by DNOs. The thesis presents an analysis of voltage control using OLTC transformer with DG in distribution networks. The thesis reviews conventional OLTC voltage control schemes and existing policies of DNOs in the UK. An overview of DG technologies is also presented with their operation characteristics based on power output. The impact of DG on OLTC voltage control schemes in distribution networks is simulated and discussed. The effects of different X/R ratio of overhead line and underground cable are also considered. These impacts need to be critically assessed before any new method implementation. The thesis also introduces the new concepts of Smart Grid and Smart Meter in terms of the transition from passive to active distribution networks. The role of Smart Meter and an overview of communication technologies that could be used for voltage control are investigated. The thesis analyses the high latency of an example solution of which cost and availability are considered to demonstrate the real-time voltage control using Smart Metering with existing communication infrastructures cannot be achieved cost-effectively. The thesis provides an advanced compensation-based OLTC voltage control algorithm using Automatic Compensation Voltage Control (ACVC) technique to improve the voltage control performance with DG penetration without communication. The proposed algorithm is simulated under varying load and DG conditions based on Simulink MATLAB to show the robustness of the proposed method. A generic 11kV network in the UK is modelled to evaluate the correct control performance of the advanced voltage control algorithm while increasing the DG capacity.

A expansão de geração distribuída nos sistemas de distribuição e de subtransmissão de energia elétrica em todo o mundo tem sua origem na reestruturação do setor elétrico, na necessidade de aproveitamento de diferentes fontes primárias de energia, nos avanços tecnológicos, nos incentivos governamentais e na maior conscientização sobre conservação ambiental. Com tal expansão, surge a necessidade de avaliar os impactos dessa forma de geração na operação das redes elétricas, principalmente das redes de distribuição, as quais foram inicialmente projetadas para operar considerando apenas a subestação de distribuição como fonte de energia. Entre esses impactos, um importante item a co0nsiderar é a detecção de ilhamento. Tal ocorrência é altamente indesejada pelas concessionárias distribuidoras de energia elétrica as quais estabelecem que os proprietários de geradores distribuídos devem instalar um sistema de proteção capaz de detectar ilhamentos. Dentre os métodos empregados para detecção de ilhamento os mais comuns para este propósito são os relés baseados em medidas de freqüência (relé de sub/sobrefreqüência, relé de taxa de variação de freqüência). Tais dispositivos são fortemente dependentes do desbalanço de potência ativa na rede ilhada e podem falhar caso esses desbalanços sejam pequenos. Ressalta-se que o comportamento variável da carga em sistemas de distribuição e a possibilidade de formação de diversas ilhas podem originar diferentes níveis de desbalanço de potência ativa e reativa. Conseqüentemente, pode haver vários cenários de operação em que os relés previamente citados falharão em detectar ilhamento. Neste contexto, esta dissertação de Mestrado propõe metodologias de proteção adaptativa anti-ilhamento aplicadas a relés baseados em medidas de freqüência, que visem a proteção do sistema elétrico e do gerador distribuído na maioria das condições de desbalanço de potência ativa e reativa que possam ocorrer na rede elétrica. Os geradores distribuídos a serem analisados são do tipo síncrono devido a sua grande utilização em pequenas centrais hidroelétricas e térmicas. São propostas duas metodologias: uma baseada em simulações dinâmicas e outra baseada em fórmulas analíticas. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios para vários cenários de operação de um gerador distribuído conectado em uma rede de distribuição. Além disso, as vantagens e limitações de cada método são apresentadas e discutidas. / Distributed generation expansion worldwide has been caused by the de-regulamentation of the electricity sector, by the necessity to explore different energy resources, by technological advances, by government incentives and by environmental concerns associated with energy production. Such expansion brings the necessity to assess he impacts caused by distributed generators on the distribution systems, which were designed to operate considering the utility substation as the only power source. Among these impacts, on that deserves major attention is islanding detection. Utilities recommend that distributed generators\' owners provide efficient anti-islanding protection installed at the point of common coupling between the generator and the grid. Common anti-islanding protection schemes are composed by frequency-based relays (standard frequency relay and/or rate of change of frequency relay). These devices are strongly dependent on the active power imbalance in the islanded system and they can fail to detect an islanding condition if such power imbalance is small. Therefore, it is worth pointing that the variable power consumption of the distribution system\'s loads and the possibility of creating several energized islands can originate different power imbalance levels. Consequently, there may be various operating scenarios in which the frequency-based relays will fail to detect islanding. In this context, this work proposes adaptive methods to adjust frequency-based relays in order to provide effective anti-islanding protection considering different power imbalance levels. Synchronous generators are studied, since their wide application in distributed generation plants, such as small hydro and thermal power plants. Two methods are proposed: one is a simulation-based method and the other is based on analytical formulas. Both methods presented good results considering all the operating scenarios tested with a distributed generator connected to a distribution system. Furthermore, their advantages and limitations are presented and discussed.

O crescimento e o desenvolvimento do Brasil demandam novas fontes de energia, dentre as quais destaca-se a energia solar fotovoltaica, mas para que esse acréscimo aconteça de forma organizada e segura, faz-se necessária a criação de cursos para a formação e qualificação técnica para as boas práticas de manuseio, instalação e manutenção dos sistemas. O ensino profissionalizante é um dos mais importantes vetores de desenvolvimento e aplicação das áreas tecnológicas e deve acompanhar, de maneira contínua, a evolução da tecnologia do trabalho. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise para uma proposta de criação de curso de especialização pós-técnica de nível médio, para preparar os profissionais, de forma que eles possam atuar no mercado com a segurança, confiabilidade e qualidade necessárias para que a geração de eletricidade a partir da conversão fotovoltaica atenda aos anseios da sociedade brasileira. As Escolas Técnicas Estaduais (Etec) do Governo do Estado de São Paulo são avaliadas para receber o curso proposto nesta dissertação. / The growth and development of Brazil demands new sources of energy, among which we highlight the photovoltaic solar energy. But for this increase happens in an organized and safe manner, it is necessary to create courses for training and technical qualification to good handling practices, installation and maintenance of systems. This work presents an analysis for a proposal for mid-level post- technical specialization course to prepare the way professionals that they can act in the market with the necessary security, reliability and quality so that generation of electricity from the photovoltaic conversion fulfill the yearnings of Brazilian society. Public technical school (Etec) of Sao Paulo\'s State Government are evaluated to offer that proposed course at this dissertation.