While solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can offset fuel, emissions, and water use at the power plant, high levels of installed rooftop PV capacity can have negative impacts on the stability and efficiency of the local grid because of power factor (PF) degradation. Specifically, electric utilities have noted voltage fluctuations from solar PV that occur more dynamically than legacy, electromechanical voltage regulation solutions like capacitor banks are designed to correct. At the same time, distributed power electronics devices like inverters can provide the type of dynamic voltage support that utilities seek to maintain reliability while juggling load growth and a greening grid. Using data from Pecan Street Inc. Smart Grid Demonstration Project in Austin, Texas and Austin Water Utility (AWU), this research examines the potential for a three-phase, four quadrant variable speed drive (VSD) in the water sector to provide PF correction to a load pocket of 63 homes experiencing varying levels of PV penetration. In the analysis, the VSD is not reserved for voltage support; instead it is predominantly used to drive a 30 kilowatt (kW) centrifugal sewage pump. The simulation determines the degree to which the VSD can restore PF to a threshold of 0.95, slightly below the targeted value for Austin's electric utility. Further, the economic viability of using the VSD as a grid device is explored by comparing the per unit cost of the PF correction it provides to a current utility solution for dynamic voltage regulation. / text

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With an increasing interest for renewable power, photovoltaics (PV) have becomemore and more common in the distribution network. If a customer wants to install aPV system, or another type of distributed generation (DG), the distribution systemoperators (DSO) needs a good way to determine if it the grid can handle it or not. InSweden, a guideline to aid the DSO was published in 2011. However, this guidelineonly considers one connection without considering other DG units. This project isabout developing new guidelines for DG connections in grids with a large number ofDG units. Based on a literature study it has been concluded that one of the mostcritical issue is over-voltage, which is the main focus of this project. Two new methods have been developed; the first proposed method is based onneglecting reactance and losses in the grid, a simple linear relationship between thevoltage level, the resistance in the lines, and the installed power is obtained. Thisrelationship is then used to calculate the voltage level at critical points in the grid. Thesecond method is to find the weakest bus, with a connected DG unit. By assumingthat all power is installed at that point we get a very simple guideline; it is veryconservative but can be used before the first method. A simulation tool has been developed in order to analyze the voltage level in grids forvarious cases with connected DG units. The simulated results have proven that theproposed guidelines are, when considering voltage issues, very reliable and can beuseful. However, further work needs to be done to ensure that other problems donot occur.

In order to meet the worldwide limits on greenhouse gases emissions, a shift from a fossil fuels to a renewable energy-based electric system is required. As this process goes on, both the power generation and consumption profiles are changing in daily pattern and magnitude, so the power grid needs to become more and more flexible in order to handle this variability. At the distribution level, photo-voltaic (PV) systems are, by far, the most widespread distributed energy resource, mostly due to the recent drop in the cost at the residential level. As more and more consumers become also producers (the so called "prosumers") and the volatile solar energy production increases, a higher number of storage systems is required to both avoid grid destabilisation and minimise the CO$_2$ emissions. At the same time, since the transportation sector is responsible for a sizeable part of the total CO$_2$ emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) are bound to replace traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, two main issues may arise when a large number of vehicles are connected to the existing power grid at the same time. The first issue is that the electricity required to charge them needs to be renewable, while the second is that, a rapid electrification of the existing vehicles fleet could destabilise the grid. In this context, this thesis aims at partially addressing these two issues by analysing different ways to reduce the impact of both PV systems and EVs on low (LV) and medium (MV) voltage grids. After the introduction and a chapter dealing with the most closely related research work, a novel optimisation algorithm, aimed at obtaining the optimal storage capacity for each prosumer belonging to a "renewable energy community" is presented. The algorithm minimises the dependence of the community on the main grid, which is one of the main purposes of this new model, while minimising the total installed storage capacity. The algorithm is tailored to the specific case study, because it keeps track of the willingness of the users to install a battery and keeps the voltage levels between regulatory limits in the optimisation process. In the second part instead, the effects of "uncontrolled" and "smart" EV-charging the electric vehicles with the aim of reducing the power fluctuations at the MV/LV transformer level are analysed. In particular, the interaction between PV production and EV charging is investigated, while considering the grid voltage fluctuations, the distribution line losses and the transformer loading levels at the same time. The broader impact of smart charging is also analysed by performing a simplified economic and battery wear analysis. Results help in understanding if storage devices can reduce the dependence of a renewable energy community on the main grid, and to what extent it is possible and economically viable to do so. Moreover, results quantify a realistic range of EV and PV system penetration in a LV grid that still allows for a combined minimisation of their impact on the power grid.

This thesis considers how an assessment method for reinvestments in the distribution grid can be designed and implemented. The assessment method was created to give long-term estimations of the amount overhead lines that could be substituted with underground cables and how to prioritize between different areas. The regulation of power grid companies was reviewed to highlight important factors for profitable reinvestments. The assessment method was implemented for overhead lines in Ellevio´s distribution grid using the database program FME and validated against real reinvestment decisions in a case study area called Sinntorp. The resulting reinvestment proposals mainly consist of replacing older grid sections and sections where expensive maintenance is planned in the future. The script show similar results as real reinvestment decisions but small differences are noticed related to the script’s hard focus on older grid sections. The script has potential to be used on Ellevio´s entire overhead line network but this requires work to complete essential data. Further validation on new areas are also desired to see if results are reasonable and if the script can be developed to consider more reinvestment factors.

This study investigates the economic benefits of installing a lithium-ion battery storage (lithium iron phosphate, LFP and lithium titanate, LTO) at an electric bus fast charging station.  It is conducted on a potential electric bus system in the Swedish city Västerås, and based on the existing bus schedules and routes as well as the local distribution system. The size of the energy storage as well as the maximum power outtake from the grid is optimized in order to minimize the total annual cost of the connection. The assessment of the distribution system shows that implementing an electric bus system based on opportunity charging in Västerås does not cause over-capacity in the 10 kV grid during normal feeding mode. However, grid reinforcements might become necessary to guarantee potential backup feeding modes. Batteries are not a cost effective option to decrease grid owner investments in new transformers. However, battery energy storage have the possibility to decrease the annual cost of connecting a fast charging station to the low-voltage grid. The main advantage of the storage system is to decrease the fees to the grid owner. Of the studied batteries, LTO is the most cost effective solution because of its larger possible depth-of-discharge for a given cycle life. The most important characteristics, that determine if a fast charging station could benefit economically from an energy storage, is the bus frequency. The longer the time in between buses and the higher the power demand, the more advantageous is the energy storage.

Depuis quelques années de nombreux modèles de véhicules électriques et hybrides rechargeables sont disponibles à la vente. Les prévisions annoncent des niveaux de pénétration importants pour ces prochaines années. En effet, l’État français a annoncé deux millions de véhicules électrifiés pour 2020. Les véhicules électriques impactent les réseaux d’électricité en se rechargeant, c’est alors que les flux électriques dans les réseaux évoluent. Cette recharge qui induit un changement du dimensionnement du réseau est abordée dans ce manuscrit, qui s’attache à évaluer ce changement. De plus, avec le développement de la thématique des “smart grid”, les véhicules électrifiés peuvent avoir un intérêt pour la conduite du système électrique. Cette étude a pour objectif s’attachera aussi à tenter de déterminer l’équilibre entre intérêts des véhicules électrifiés dans ce contexte et difficultés (sous la forme de coûts) qu’ils pourraient rencontrer s’ils participaient à la conduite du système.L’impact des véhicules électrifiés se concentre principalement sur les réseaux de distribution d’électricité. Dans les réseaux de distribution d’électricité, les lignes et les câbles sont des infrastructures indispensables. Alors que de nombreuses études s’intéressent au dimensionnement des transformateurs du réseau d’électricité, peu d’entre elles analysent les lignes et les câbles du réseau. Une volonté de combler ce manque est alors apparue. Ce manuscrit traite la problématique du dimensionnement des conducteurs, des lignes et des câbles du réseau de distribution d’électricité. Les véhicules électrifiés peuvent également être utilisés comme moyen de stockage de l’électricité, afin d’améliorer la conduite des réseaux d’électricité. L’étude s’intéresse également à l’évaluation de l’impact sur les conducteurs de l’utilisation des véhicules électriques et hybrides rechargeables comme moyen de stockage (donc comme moyen de conduite du système). / In recent years many models of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are available for sale. The forecasts predict high levels of penetration in the coming years. Indeed, the French government announced two million electric vehicles by 2020. Electric vehicles impact the electric grid by recharging, changing electricity flows in the grid. Electric vehicles charging changes the manner of sizing the grid which is the topic of this manuscript. Moreover, with the development of the smart grids, electric vehicles may have an interest as actor of the electrical system. This study also focuses on trying to determine the balance between interests of electrified vehicles in this context and challenges (in the form of costs) they might encounter if they are involved in the operation of the electric system.The impact of electric vehicles mainly focuses on the distribution grid lines and cables are a major infrastructure of the distribution grid. While many studies focus on electric transformers sizing, few of them analyze the lines and cables of the grid. A desire to fill that gap then appeared. This manuscript deals with the problem of sizing lines' and cables' conductors of the electric distribution grid. Electric vehicles can also be used as electricity storage device to improve the operation of electricity networks. The study also assesses the impact on grid conductors of electric vehicles use for storage (i.e. as a means for operating the system).

Depuis quelques années de nombreux modèles de véhicules électriques et hybrides rechargeables sont disponibles à la vente. Les prévisions annoncent des niveaux de pénétration importants pour ces prochaines années. En effet, l’État français a annoncé deux millions de véhicules électrifiés pour 2020. Les véhicules électriques impactent les réseaux d’électricité en se rechargeant, c’est alors que les flux électriques dans les réseaux évoluent. Cette recharge qui induit un changement du dimensionnement du réseau est abordée dans ce manuscrit, qui s’attache à évaluer ce changement. De plus, avec le développement de la thématique des “smart grid”, les véhicules électrifiés peuvent avoir un intérêt pour la conduite du système électrique. Cette étude a pour objectif s’attachera aussi à tenter de déterminer l’équilibre entre intérêts des véhicules électrifiés dans ce contexte et difficultés (sous la forme de coûts) qu’ils pourraient rencontrer s’ils participaient à la conduite du système.L’impact des véhicules électrifiés se concentre principalement sur les réseaux de distribution d’électricité. Dans les réseaux de distribution d’électricité, les lignes et les câbles sont des infrastructures indispensables. Alors que de nombreuses études s’intéressent au dimensionnement des transformateurs du réseau d’électricité, peu d’entre elles analysent les lignes et les câbles du réseau. Une volonté de combler ce manque est alors apparue. Ce manuscrit traite la problématique du dimensionnement des conducteurs, des lignes et des câbles du réseau de distribution d’électricité. Les véhicules électrifiés peuvent également être utilisés comme moyen de stockage de l’électricité, afin d’améliorer la conduite des réseaux d’électricité. L’étude s’intéresse également à l’évaluation de l’impact sur les conducteurs de l’utilisation des véhicules électriques et hybrides rechargeables comme moyen de stockage (donc comme moyen de conduite du système). / In recent years many models of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are available for sale. The forecasts predict high levels of penetration in the coming years. Indeed, the French government announced two million electric vehicles by 2020. Electric vehicles impact the electric grid by recharging, changing electricity flows in the grid. Electric vehicles charging changes the manner of sizing the grid which is the topic of this manuscript. Moreover, with the development of the smart grids, electric vehicles may have an interest as actor of the electrical system. This study also focuses on trying to determine the balance between interests of electrified vehicles in this context and challenges (in the form of costs) they might encounter if they are involved in the operation of the electric system.The impact of electric vehicles mainly focuses on the distribution grid lines and cables are a major infrastructure of the distribution grid. While many studies focus on electric transformers sizing, few of them analyze the lines and cables of the grid. A desire to fill that gap then appeared. This manuscript deals with the problem of sizing lines' and cables' conductors of the electric distribution grid. Electric vehicles can also be used as electricity storage device to improve the operation of electricity networks. The study also assesses the impact on grid conductors of electric vehicles use for storage (i.e. as a means for operating the system).

This thesis investigates the effects from a grid connection of photovoltaics and electric vehicle charging in a low-voltage distribution grid. The study has taken place on behalf of Norrtälje Energi AB, and the object of study is a customer in one of their rural grids. Due to reported disturbances by the customer, a Magtech Voltage Booster (MVB) was installed at the point of common coupling. To evaluate the situation, three power quality measurements were analysed. Furthermore, a model of the distribution grid was developed in OpenDSS. The main conclusion of this thesis is that the disturbances seems to be caused by temporary voltage drops (below 195.5 V) during charging hours. This situation continues to create problems even though the MVB boosts and balances the voltage. The power quality measurements showed that the voltage unbalance, during charging hours, violated the limit both before and after the MVB-installation. Another significant conclusion in this thesis is that the MVB does not seem to improve the power quality, on the contrary it deteriorates the power quality with regards to rapid voltage change and harmonic content. Furthermore, the OpenDSS-model was able to predict the temporary voltage drops. And the model also resulted in voltage unbalance comparable to the measurements. The model also displayed how the voltage unbalance and harmonic content mitigated to other parts of the grid, and it became clear that it is only the closest neighbour that is in the risk of deteriorated power quality.

This thesis is a feasibility study of avirtual power plant (VPP) in centralSweden and part of a project withInnoEnergy Instinct and STRI. The VPPconsists of a wind park, small hydroplant as well as solar photovoltaic andenergy storage. The 50 kVsubtransmission network was modeled inorder to evaluate the network servicesthat could be provided by coordinatingexisting distributed energy resources inthe network. Simulations where performedusing measured hourly variations inproduction and consumption of allnetwork nodes. The studied networkservices included both reactive andactive power control.The aim of this thesis is to evaluatethe potential contribution from the VPPfor capacity firming in order to allow abalance responsible party to meet placedbids on the day-ahead spot market,minimize peak load in order to reducesubscribed power, decrease networklosses, the contribution from reactivepower control using the power convertersis studied. Comparisons of the economicgains from spot and balance markets ofthe VPP distributed energy resources aremade for each operation case.Sponsor: InnoEnergy / InnoEnergy Instinct