Integrated Distributed Energy Resources Management System
Publication Number
CEC-500-2023-016
Updated
May 12, 2023
Publication Year
2023
Publication Division
Energy Research and Development (500)
Program
Electric Program Investment Charge - EPIC
Contract Number
EPC-15-090
Author(s)
Nanpeng Yu
Abstract
This project developed an Integrated Distributed Energy Management System that coordinates a large number of individual distributed energy resources in utility electricity-distribution systems. This Integrated Distributed Energy Management System report includes three key software modules: three-phase optimal power flow, Volt-VAR control, and network reconfiguration. Scalable and efficient three-phase optimal power flow modules essentially determined the best-available generation and load dispatch in each of the distribution feeders. The data-driven Volt-VAR control module adjusted voltage-regulating device settings to both reduce network losses and maintain customer voltage within reasonable bounds. The network-reconfiguration algorithm also reduced both network losses and outage durations. The performance of all three software modules was successfully validated through distribution test feeders using real-world smart-meter data. Deliverables from this project can be easily adopted by energyindustry software vendors and incorporated into advanced distribution-management systems. Once this technology is implemented in electricity distribution systems, California’s utility ratepayers will benefit from lower electricity bills, higher voltage quality, and greater system reliability.