Station Automation and Optimization of Distribution Circuit Operations

The University of California, Irvine’s Advanced Power and Energy Program used results, insights, and capabilities from the Irvine Smart Grid Demonstration and Generic Microgrid Controller projects to enhance substation control and distribution system management. The project implemented a generic microgrid controller at a substation to facilitate (1) maximizing the penetration of distributed energy resources, (2) assessing the viability of a retail/distribution electricity market, (3) developing strategies for a better distribution system management and use of smart grid technologies, and (4) simulating and assessing deployed fuel cells at the substation.
The research team used generic microgrid controller specifications to develop a controller for simulation of two 12 kilovolt distribution circuits at a distribution substation. The circuits and the controller were simulated using an OPAL-RT simulation platform. The results of the simulations were then used to determine the benefits of the distributed energy resources dispatched by the controller simulated at the substation.
Results of the simulation show that using a controller at the substation facilitates an increase in the renewable penetration and associated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Larger batteries on the utility side result in higher renewable penetration at a lower cost compared to residential storage on the customer side. Circuit battery and demand response can alleviate the “duck curve,” fuel cell deployment at the substation increases reliability significantly, and retail customer participation in a distribution electricity market can reduce customer energy bills.