Flexible distributed generation and demand to enhance power system stability

Abstract

FLEXDIS will analyse the impact that distributed renewable generation have on the grid stability and will explore potential solutions based on flexibility from the renewable generation and the demand. The impact of distributed renewable generation will be analysed considering frequency and voltage regulation issues at transmission grid level. Market studies will define the need of additional power reserves from the distribution grid. Grid integration studies will be used to understand the current limitations from distributed renewable generation, in particular inverter-based resources (IBR), in case of power imbalances, faults or other transient events. Solutions to ensure sufficient power reserve will be based on flexible demand from thermal and electric vehicle loads located at industrial, commercial or residential areas. Also, the grid connection requirements of distributed renewable generation will be revisited and potential modifications will be suggested to increase the grid stability. The project solutions will be initially tested in a simulation environment based on software tools for power systems analysis and the final validations will be carried out considering Hardware-in-the-Loop setups and tests in a living lab. The project outcomes are expected to improve the coordination between transmission and distribution system operators and identify potential modifications in the IBR controls and ancillary services at distribution grid level.

This project is focused on the integration of distributed renewable generation, specially connected at residential, commercial or industrial areas. Such distributed generation will play an important role on the total renewable generation installed, which clearly contributes to the clean energy transition. In particular, the project will analyse the impact that high penetrations of distributed generation have in the grid reliability and will provide flexibility solutions from generation and load to enable a secure grid operation.

This research was funded by CETPartnership, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership under the 2023 joint call for research proposals, co funded by the European Commission (GA 101 069750) and with the funding organizations detailed on https://cetpartnership.eu/funding-agencies-and-call-modules.