Electrical distribution networks face many operational challenges as various renewable distributed generation (DG), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind, become part of their structure. Unlike conventional distribution systems, where the only unpredictable aspect is the load level, the intermittent nature of DG poses additional uncertainty levels for distribution system operators (DSO). The voltage quality problem considers the most restrictive issue that hinders high DG integration into distribution grids. Voltage deviates from the nominal grid voltage limits due to the excess power from the DG. DSOs are accustomed to improving the voltage profile by optimal adjustments of the on-load tap changers, voltage regulator taps and capacitor banks. Nevertheless, due to the frequent variability of the output energy from DG, these devices may fail in doing the needful.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and smart PV inverter functionalities are regarded as promising solutions to promote the seamless integration of renewable resources into distribution networks. BESS are utilized to store the surplus energy during the high penetration of renewable DG that causes high voltage levels and discharge the stored energy when the distribution grid is heavily loaded, which leads to the low voltage levels. Smart PV inverters regulate the network voltage by controlling the reactive power injection or absorption at the inverter end. This dissertation proposes a management strategy that coordinates BESS and smart PV inverter reactive power capability to improve voltage quality in the distribution systems with high PV and wind penetrations.
The proposed management method is based on a bi-level optimization algorithm consisting of upper and lower optimization levels. The proposed method determines the optimal location, capacity, numbers and BESS charging and discharging rates to support the distribution system voltage and to ensure optimal deployment of BESS. Case studies are conducted to evaluate the proposed voltage control method. The large size PV system and wind turbine impacts are studied and simulated on the modified IEEE-34 bus test feeder. In addition, the proposed method is applied to the modified IEEE low voltage test feeder to investigate the effectiveness of installing residential rooftop PV systems on the distribution system's voltage. Experimental results show promising outcomes of the proposed method in controlling the distribution networks' voltage.
In addition, a day-ahead forecast of PV power output is developed in this dissertation to assist the DSOs to accurately predict the future amounts of PV energy available and reinforcing the decision-making process of batteries operation. Hybrid forecasting models are proposed based on machine learning algorithms, which utilize support vector regression and backpropagation neural network, optimized with three metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely Social Spider Optimization (SSO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO). These algorithms are used to improve the predictive efficacy of the selected algorithms, where the optimal selection of their hyperparameters and architectures plays a significant role in yielding precise forecasting outcomes. / Doctor of Philosophy / The need for more renewable energy has grown significantly, and many countries are embracing these technologies. However, the integration of distributed generation (DG), such as PV systems and wind turbines, poses several operational problems to the distribution system. The voltage problem represents the most significant issue that needs to be addressed. The traditional voltage control equipment may not cope with the rapid fluctuation and may impact their service life.
The continuous developments in the battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the smart PV inverter technologies result in increasing the hosting capacity of DG. BESS can store the excess power from the distributed generators and supply this energy to the grid for different operational objectives. On the other hand, the advanced PV inverter's reactive power capability can be exploited from which the grid can attain many benefits. This dissertation aims at providing a reliable control method to the voltage profile in distribution networks embedded with high PV and wind energy by optimal coordination between the operation of the BESS and the smart PV inverter.
In addition, the solar forecasting can mitigate the uncertainty associated with PV system generation. In this dissertation, the PV power forecasting application is applied in the distribution system to control the voltage. Through utilizing PV power forecasting, the decision-making for battery operation can be upheld and reinforced. The BESS can store the surplus energy from the PV system as needed and supply it back in low PV power incidents.
Experimental results indicate that proper coordination between the BESS and smart PV inverter is beneficial for distribution system operation that can seamlessly integrate PV and wind energy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/113718 |
| Date | 16 August 2021 |
| Creators | Alrashidi, Musaed Owehan |
| Contributors | Electrical Engineering, Rahman, Saifur, Abbott, A. Lynn, Pipattanasomporn, Manisa, Farhood, Mazen H., Centeno, Virgilio A. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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