Measurement-based Distribution System Models for Distributed Energy Resources Control

The integration of significant capacities of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as renewable wind and solar generation for a more sustainable energy future creates several challenges to the reliable and efficient operation of power distribution systems. These include: (i) Uncertain and intermittent nature of renewable generation compromises power quality for end-customers. (ii) Up-to-date distribution system network topologies are not well known and their real-time monitoring is limited. As a result, effective management of DERs is challenging. (iii) Establishing full network observability may be prohibitively costly. (iv) Accurate DER control may require solving complex optimization problems.
To this end, the goal of this research project is to study measurement-based methods to design DER management systems by developing equivalent, reduced-network models of distribution systems from real-time measurements.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yu (Christine) Chen

Student:

Severin Nowak

Partner:

Enbala Power Networks Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Energy

University:

University of British Columbia