abstract: This thesis focuses on developing an integrated transmission and distribution framework that couples the two sub-systems together with due consideration to conventional demand flexibility. The proposed framework ensures accurate representation of the system resources and the network conditions when modeling the distribution system in the transmission OPF and vice-versa. It is further used to develop an accurate pricing mechanism (Distribution-based Location Marginal Pricing), which is reflective of the moment-to-moment costs of generating and delivering electrical energy, for the distribution system. By accurately modeling the two sub-systems, we can improve the economic efficiency and the system reliability, as the price sensitive resources can be controlled to behave in a way that benefits the power system as a whole. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2014

To integrate large volumes of renewables and use electricity more efficiently, many industrial trials are on-going around the world that aim to realize decentralized or hierarchical control of renewable and distributed energy resources, flexible loads and monitoring devices. As the cost and complexity involved in the centralized communications and control infrastructure may be prohibitive in controlling millions of these distributed energy resources and devices, distributed optimization methods are expected to become much more prevalent in the operation of future electric power systems, as they have the potential to address this challenge and can be applied to various applications such as optimal power ow, state estimation, voltage control, and many others. While many distributed optimization algorithms are developed mathematically, little effort has been reported so far on how these methods should actually be implemented in real-world large-scale systems. The challenges associated with this include identifying how to decompose the overall optimization problem, what communication infrastructures can support the information exchange among subproblems, and whether to coordinate the updates of the subproblems in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. This research is dedicated to developing mathematical tools to address these issues, particularly for solving the non-convex optimal power flow problem. As the first part of this thesis, we develop a partitioning method that defines the boundaries of regions when applying distributed algorithms to a power system. This partitioning method quantifies the computational couplings among the buses and groups the buses with large couplings into one region. Through numerical experiments, we show that the developed spectral partitioning approach is the key to achieving fast convergence of distributed optimization algorithms on large-scale systems. After the partitioning of the system is defined, one needs to determine whether the communications among neighboring regions are supported. Therefore, as the second part of this thesis, we propose models for centralized and distributed communications infrastructures and study the impact of communication delays on the efficiency of distributed optimization algorithms through network simulations. Our findings suggest that the centralized communications infrastructure can be prohibitive for distributed optimization and cost-effective migration paths to a more distributed communications infrastructure are necessary. As the sizes and complexities of subproblems and communication delays are generally heterogeneous, synchronous distributed algorithms can be inefficient as they require waiting for the slowest region in the system. Hence, as the third part of this thesis, we develop an asynchronous distributed optimization method and show its convergence for the considered optimal power flow problem. We further study the impact of parameter tuning, system partitioning and communication delays on the proposed asynchronous method and compare its practical performance with its synchronous counterpart. Simulation results indicate that the asynchronous approach can be more efficient with proper partitioning and parameter settings on large-scale systems. The outcome of this research provides important insights into how existing hardware and software solutions for Energy Management Systems in the power grid can be used or need to be extended for deploying distributed optimization methods, which establishes the interconnection between theoretical studies of distributed algorithms and their practical implementation. As the evolution towards a more distributed control architecture is already taking place in many utility networks, the approaches proposed in this thesis provide important tools and a methodology for adopting distributed optimization in power systems.

The co-optimization of energy and reserves has become a standard requirement in integrated markets. This is due to the inverse relationship that exists between energy and reserves. The provision of reserves generally reduces the amount of primary energy a generating unit can produce and vice versa. This suggests that these products should be procured through a simultaneous auction to ensure optimal procurement and pricing. Furthermore, forward markets dictate that this co-optimization of energy and reserves be done over a multi-period planning horizon. This dissertation addresses the problem of optimal scheduling and pricing of energy and reserves over a multi-period planning horizon using an optimal power flow formulation. The extension of the problem from a static optimization problem to a dynamic optimization problem is presented. Price definitions for energy and reserves in terms of shadow prices emanating from the optimization algorithm are provided. It is shown that the proposed formulation of prices leads to the cascading of reserve prices and eliminates the problem of “price reversal” where lower quality reserves are priced higher than higher ii quality reserves. Pricing conditions are also established for the downward substitution of higher quality reserves for lower quality reserves. The proposed pricing formulations are tested on the IEEE 24 Bus Reliability Test System and on the South African power network. The simulated results show that cascading of reserve prices does occur and that prices of different types of reserves are equal when downward substitution of reserves occurs. Zonal reserve requirements result in higher energy and reserve prices, which in term result in higher procurement costs to the system operator and higher profits to market participants. Congestion on the network also results in higher procurement costs to the system operator and higher profits to market participants in the case of zonal pricing of reserves. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

Transition towards low-carbon energy systems requires an increase in the volume of renewable Distributed Generation (DG), particularly wind and photovoltaic, connected to distribution networks. To facilitate the connection of renewable DG without the need for expensive and time-consuming network reinforcements, distribution networks should move from passive to active methods of operation, whereby technical network constraints are actively managed in real time. This requires the deployment of control solutions that manage network constraints and, crucially, ensure adequate levels of energy curtailment from DG plants by using other controllable elements to solve network issues rather than resorting to generation curtailment only. This thesis proposes a deterministic distribution Network Management System (NMS) to facilitate the connections of renewable DG plants (specifically wind) by actively managing network voltages and congestion in real time through the optimal control of on-load tap changers (OLTCs), DG power factor and, then, generation curtailment as a last resort. The set points for the controllable elements are found using an AC Optimal Power Flow (OPF). The proposed NMS considers the realistic modelling of control by adopting one-minute resolution time-series data. To decrease the volumes of control actions from DG plants and OLTCs, the proposed approach departs from multi-second control cycles to multi-minute control cycles. To achieve this, the decision-making algorithm is further improved into a risk-based one to handle the uncertainties in wind power throughout the multi-minute control cycles. The performance of the deterministic and the risk-based NMS are compared using a 33 kV UK distribution network for different control cycles. The results show that the risk-based approach can effectively manage network constraints better than the deterministic approach, particularly for multi-minute control cycles, reducing also the number of control actions but at the expense of higher levels of curtailment. This thesis also proposes energy storage sizing framework to find the minimum power rating and energy capacity of multiple storage facilities to reduce curtailment from DG plants. A two-stage iterative process is adopted in this framework. The first stage uses a multi-period AC OPF across the studied horizon to obtain initial storage sizes considering hourly wind and load profiles. The second stage adopts a high granularity minute-by-minute control driven by a mono-period bi-level AC OPF to tune the first-stage storage sizes according to the actual curtailment. The application of the proposed planning framework to a 33 kV UK distribution network demonstrates the importance of embedding real-time control aspects into the planning framework so as to accurately size storage facilities. By using reactive power capabilities of storage facilities it is possible to reduce storage sizes. The combined active management of OLTCs and power factor of DG plants resulted in the most significant benefits in terms of the required storage sizes.

No / Due to high penetration of single-phase Photovoltaic (PV) cells into low voltage (LV) distribution networks, several impacts such as voltage unbalance, voltage rise, power losses, reverse power flow arise which leads to operational constraints violation in the network. In this paper, a time series Three Phase Optimal Power Flow (TPOPF) method is proposed to minimize the voltage unbalance in LV distribution networks with high penetration of residential PVs. TPOPF problem is formulated using the current injection method in which the PVs are modelled via a time-varying PV power profile with active and reactive power control. The proposed method is validated on a real LV distribution feeder. The results show that the reactive power management of the PVs helps mitigate the voltage unbalance significantly. Moreover, the voltage unbalance index reduced significantly compared to the case without voltage unbalance minimisation. / Innovate UK GCRF Energy Catalyst Pi-CREST project under Grant number 41358; British Academy GCRF COMPENSE project under Grant GCRFNGR3\1541; Mut’ah University, Jordan

Yes / In this paper, a stochastic method is proposed to assess the amount of active and reactive power that can be injected/absorbed to/from grid within a distribution market environment. Also, the impact of wind power penetration on the reactive and active distribution-locational marginal prices is investigated. Market-based active and reactive optimal power flow is used to maximize the social welfare considering uncertainties related to wind speed and load demand. The uncertainties are modeled by Scenario-based approach. The proposed model is examined with 16-bus UK generic distribution system. / Supported by the Higher Education Ministry of Iraqi government.

Yes / This paper proposes a novel method for distribution network reconfiguration considering security-constraints and multi-configuration of renewable distributed generators (DG). The objective of the proposed method is to minimize the total operational cost using security constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF). The impact of multi-configuration of renewable DGs in a meshed network is investigated. In this work, lines were added to the radial distribution network to analyse the network power flow in different network configurations. The added lines were connected to the closest generator bus which offered least operating cost. A 16-bus UK generic distribution system (UKGDS) was used to model the efficiency of the proposed method. The obtained results in multi-DG configuration ensure the security of the network in N-1 contingency criteria.

Massive infrastructure networks such as electric power, natural gas, or water systems play a pivotal role in everyday human lives. Development and operation of these networks is extremely capital-intensive. Moreover, security and reliability of these networks is critical. This work identifies and addresses a diverse class of computationally challenging and time-critical problems pertaining to these networks. This dissertation extends the state of the art on three fronts. First, general proofs of uniqueness for network flow problems are presented, thus addressing open problems. Efficient network flow solvers based on energy function minimizations, convex relaxations, and mixed-integer programming are proposed with performance guarantees. Second, a novel approach is developed for sample-efficient training of deep neural networks (DNN) aimed at solving optimal network dispatch problems. The novel feature here is that the DNNs are trained to match not only the minimizers, but also their sensitivities with respect to the optimization problem parameters. Third, control mechanisms are designed that ensure resilient and stable network operation. These novel solutions are bolstered by mathematical guarantees and extensive simulations on benchmark power, water, and natural gas networks. / Doctor of Philosophy / Massive infrastructure networks play a pivotal role in everyday human lives. A minor service disruption occurring locally in electric power, natural gas, or water networks is considered a significant loss. Uncertain demands, equipment failures, regulatory stipulations, and most importantly complicated physical laws render managing these networks an arduous task. Oftentimes, the first principle mathematical models for these networks are well known. Nevertheless, the computations needed in real-time to make spontaneous decisions frequently surpass the available resources. Explicitly identifying such problems, this dissertation extends the state of the art on three fronts: First, efficient models enabling the operators to tractably solve some routinely encountered problems are developed using fundamental and diverse mathematical tools; Second, quickly trainable machine learning based solutions are developed that enable spontaneous decision making while learning offline from sophisticated mathematical programs; and Third, control mechanisms are designed that ensure a safe and autonomous network operation without human intervention. These novel solutions are bolstered by mathematical guarantees and extensive simulations on benchmark power, water, and natural gas networks.

Submitted by Marina Teixeira Costa null (marinateixeiracosta@gmail.com) on 2017-02-14T14:27:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação MARINA 12.pdf: 1807218 bytes, checksum: 95bc28b832360cf51847512b47b234d8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-14T15:29:56Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 costa_mt_me_bauru.pdf: 1807218 bytes, checksum: 95bc28b832360cf51847512b47b234d8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-14T15:29:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 costa_mt_me_bauru.pdf: 1807218 bytes, checksum: 95bc28b832360cf51847512b47b234d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo determina a melhor condição de operação de um sistema elétrico de potência. Há diferentes classes de problemas de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo de acordo com os tipos de funções a serem otimizadas, e os conjuntos de controles e de restrições utilizados. Dentre elas, dá-se destaque ao problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo com Restrição de Segurança, o qual é uma importante ferramenta para os Operadores dos Sistemas de Transmissão, tanto para o planejamento operacional, quanto para a precificação da energia. Seu objetivo é minimizar os custos operacionais de geração de energia levando em consideração as restrições decorrentes da operação do sistema sob um conjunto de contingências. Ele é formulado como um problema de otimização não linear, não-convexo de grande porte, com variáveis contínuas e discretas. Neste trabalho investiga-se este problema em relação à sua formulação, dificuldades computacionais e método de solução. Para um tratamento do problema mais próximo à realidade adotam-se alguns controles como variáveis discretas, ou seja, os taps dos transformadores. Estes são tratados através de um método que penaliza a função objetivo quando as variáveis discretas assumem valores não discretos. Desta forma, o problema não linear discreto é transformado em um problema contínuo e o método Primal-Dual Barreira Logarítmica é utilizado em sua resolução. Testes computacionais são apresentados com o problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo com Restrição de Segurança associado ao sistema teste IEEE 14 barras em três etapas de teste. Os resultados obtidos e as comparações realizadas comprovam a eficiência do método de resolução escolhido / The Optimum Power Flow problem determines the best operating condition of an electric power system. There are different classes of Optimal Power Flow problems according to the types of functions to be optimized, and the sets of controls and constraints used. Among them, the problem of Optimal Power Flow with Security Constraint is highlighted, which is an important tool for the Transmission System operators, both for operational planning and for energy pricing. Its objective is to minimize the operational costs of power generation taking into account the constraints arising from the operation of the system under a set of contingencies. It is formulated as a nonlinear, nonconvex large optimization problem, of continuous and discrete variables. In this work, the problem in relation to its formulation, computational difficulties and solution method is investigated. For a treatment of the problem closest to the reality, some controls such as discrete variables, i.e. the taps of the transformers, are used. These are treated by a method that penalizes the objective function when the discrete variables assume non-discrete values. Thus, the discrete nonlinear problem is transformed into a continuous problem and the Primal-Dual Logarithmic Barrier method is used in its resolution. Computational tests are performed with the optimal power flow problem with security constraint associated with the test system of IEEE 14 bars in three test stages. The obtained results and the realized comparisons prove the efficiency of the chosen resolution method.

An approach to utilize Distributed Generation (DG) to minimize the total load shedding by analyzing the power system in Transactive energy framework is proposed. An algorithm to optimize power system in forward and spot markets to maximize an electric utility’s profit by optimizing purchase of power from DG is developed. The proposed algorithm is a multi-objective optimization with the main objective to maximize a utility’s profit by minimizing overall cost of production, load shedding, and purchase of power from distributed generators. This work also proposes a method to price power in forward and spot markets using existing LMP techniques. Transactive accounting has been performed to quantify the consumer payments in both markets. The algorithm is tested in two test systems; a 6-bus system and modified IEEE 14-bus system. The results show that by investing in DG, utility benefits from profit increase, load shedding reduction, and transmission line loading improvement.