Distribution Systems and Dispersed

Generation
Nikos Hatziargyriou
Chairman of CIGRE SC C6
nh@power.ece.ntua.gr

9 January 2014
Bangalore, India

SC C6 - Distribution Systems
and Dispersed Generation
Chair: Nikos Hatziargyriou
Secretary: Christine Schwaegerl
Main Technical directions
To study the connection and the integration of distributed energy
resources (DER), including small size generators, storage and
relevant power electronic devices
To study the application of the DER concept as a part of the
medium-long term evolution of distribution systems (Microgrids
and Active Distribution Networks)
To study actions and processes for demand management and
customers integration
To study the subject of rural electrification
to cover all aspects of Smart Distribution Grids

THE NETWORK OF THE FUTURE

CIGREs technical activities are split into 16 fields, each under the responsibility of a Study
Committee coordinating the activities in each field. Approximately 200 Working Groups are
constantly operating, grouping together over 2000 experts within the electric energy sector from
all over the world, who are ideally

Pillars of Modern Power Systems strategy

High reliability and security of supply
Most economic solution
Best environmental protection

Key Challenges
Distribution level needs more
smartness.
Massive penetration of
smaller units imposes the
need for their control and
coordination.
Coordination of millions of
small resources poses huge
technical challenge, requires
application of decentralized,
intelligent control techniques.
Smart metering massive
implementation.
Novel distribution network
architectures Microgrids and
Virtual Power Plants

Network of the future

Areas currently covered

by CIGRE SC C6

Backbone Information - Player

Source: Peter Birkner, Subgroup on Smart Grids, www.ec.europa.eu/energy

SC C6 Organisation
SC Chairman Nikos Hatziargyriou

Secretary Christine Schwaegerl

DER Connection and Integration
AG C6-01 Strategic Planning Nikos
Hatziargyriou

AG C6-12 Tutorials

Trevor

Gaunt

AG C6-17 Rural Electrification

Adriaan Zomers

AG C6-23 Terminology

Alex

Baitch

WG C6.09 Demand Side response

Alex Baitch
WG C6.11 Develop. & operation of active
distribution networks DAdamo
WG C6.15 Electric Energy Storage
Systems
Zbigniew Styczynski
WG C6.16 Technologies employed in
rural electrification Trevor Gaunt
WG C6.19 Planning & optimization for
active distribution systems Fabr. Pilo
WG C6.20 Integration of electric vehicles
Joao Pecas Lopes

JWG C3.05/C6.14 Environmental impact of

DG,
Liaison Erkki Lakervi
JWG C1/C2/C6.18 Coping with limits for very
high penetrations of RE Wil Kling
Nikos Hatziargyriou, 2010

WG C6.21 Smart Metering

Navarro

Eduardo

WG C6.22 Microgrids Evolution Roadmap

Chris Marnay
WG C6.24 Capacity of Distribution Feeders
for Hosting DER, St. Papathanassiou

WG C6.11
Active Distribution Networks
Completer in 2011

Convener: DAdamo (Italy)

Scope:

Assessment of network requirements for the operation of DER

Identification of enabling technologies and review the most

relevant features of ADN

Definition of limits/barriers

Evolution in regulatory aspects

WG C6.11 - Active Distribution

Networks (ADN) Definitions

Active distribution networks have systems in place to control a

combination of distributed energy resources (DERs), defined as
generators, loads and storage.
Distribution system operators (DSOs) have the possibility of
managing the electricity flows using a flexible network topology.
DERs take some degree of responsibility for system support, which
will depend on a suitable regulatory environment and connection
agreement.

WG C6.11- ADN Operation

Operation rules

Different regulations
No islanding permitted in most cases
Automatic DG disconnection in case of main network faults
General rule: no worsening of Power Quality (voltage level, fault current, ) admitted
but not clear definition of what Power Quality means (!)
No rules for reactive power

Remote control
Only 41% of the interviewed DNO have possibility to remote control the DG at MV
and LV
Limited capability to manage the active grid
No operational procedures in case of fault

WG C6.11- ADN Operation

Voltage control
Voltage variations admitted according to National or International Standards
No active voltage control performed
Adjustable setting of tap changer of MV/LV transformers

Fault clearing procedures

60% of DNO dont have dedicated fault clearing procedures for feeders with DG
(same as without DG)

Intentional islanding

Very limited intentional islanding in performed

22% of DNO may perform DG intentional islanding, mainly in self-generation customers
14% of DNO may perform intentional islanding only in emergency cases
Concerns for safety of network operators

WG C6.11- ADN Operation

Selection and analysis of 24 innovative pilot projects (sources: ANM database, WG
members, workshops)
Classification of enabling technologies, applications, benefits and research needs
Presentation of ADN functionalities, specific applications and with required analysis
tools
Provides a snapshot of the industry and a basis for the development of
recommendations

Common features and priorities for ADN (scale 1 to 5):

PROTECTIONS
4,50
SAFETY
4,42
FAULT MANAGEMENT 4,27
COMMUNICATIONS4,15
ISLANDING
4
ANCILLARY SERVICES 3,85

WG C6.11 Key Recommendations

Grid operation
Review protection systems and safety measured in the
context of ADNs
Grid codes should be updated to reflect the fact that DER
owners need to share responsibility with DNOs for the
application of ADN
Communication systems to support data exchange for
ADNs should integrate industry standards

Put mechanisms in place for grid users to provide

ancillary services and receive remuneration for this
service

WG C6.15
Electric Energy Storage Systems
Completed in 2010
Convener: Zbigniew A. Styczynski (Germany)
Membership
N of full members:26
N of involved countries:16

Scope:
The aim of the WG was to evaluate different storage
technologies and their commercial backgrounds, therefore
great emphasis was given to the integration and support of
power networks which have a high penetration of dispersed
generation (DG) and renewable based generation (RES).

European Scenario for Renewables

SET Plan for Europe 2020 635 GW in RG+CHP
2020 low load condition

2020 high load condition

Pump storage

Pump load

P, %

P, %

Pump storage

Pump load

100

100

75

75

Maximal generation from CHPs

and renewable generation

50

50

25

25

12

18

Medium generation
from CHPs and renewable
generation 50 %

24

conventional
generation

GEN
-25
surplus

Storage

12

18

24

conventional
generation

Load management

Generation CHPs and RG

The overflow of renewable & CHP generation power during

low load condition has to be managed in future!
CIGRE Canada 2012

17

European Scenario for Renewable

Generation
2008
Wind power: 66 [GW]
PV power: 9 [GW]
EU Targets (SET Plan):
-2020 Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 20% and ensure 20%
of renewable energy sources in
the EU energy mix by 2020
-2050 (Vision) Complete
decarbonisation

Sources:
World Wind Energy Report 2008
Photovoltaic Energy Barometer

CIGRE Canada 2012

18

Overview of Storage Technologies

Source: Electricitystorage.org: Technologies and applications. 2003

CIGRE Canada 2012

19

Total Installed Storage Capacity Worldwide

Total
installed

Technology

Size
ranges

Potential application

Pumped Hydro

110 GW

Up to 2.1 GW

load levelling
spinning reserve

CAES

477 MW

25 MW 350 MW

peak shaving
spinning reserve

100 W 20 MW

integration with renewables

load leveling
peak shaving
spinning reserve
power quality

kW scale

Power Quality

10 - 100 MW

Power Quality

7 - 10 MW

Power Quality

Batteries
Lead Acid

125 MW

Na-S

~ 200 MW

Redox

38 MW

Ni-Cd

26 MW

Flywheels
SMES
Supercapacitors

Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)

CIGRE Canada 2012

20

Vehicles to Grid: pros and cons

+

Pollution reduction
Primary and
secondary reserve

Reinforcement of the
grid
Life time of the
battery

Ancillary service
Load shifting

Limitation due to the

rise of temperature of
battery

Peak shaving

Vehicle autonomy

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)

Litium-ion family (Li-ion)
Sodium Nikel Chloride (ZEBRA)

CIGRE Canada 2012

21

Economical Aspects
Long term
applications

Load-levelling
applications

Source: German Power Engineering Society (VDE-ETG)

CIGRE Canada 2012

22

Economical Aspects
Comparison of storage systems for peak shaving
at distribution level

Source: German Power Engineering Society (VDE-ETG)

CIGRE Canada 2012

23

Pilot installation: Rokkasho, Japan

Wind farm combined with NaS battery
-Wind farm: 51 [MW]
-NaS battery power: 34 [MW]

-NaS battery capacity 238 [MWh]

-Life time expected: up to 15 years, 300 cycles per year

Source: NGK

CIGRE Canada 2012

24

Pilot installation: Wakkanai, Japan

Photovoltaic plant combined with NaS battery
-Photovoltaic plant: 5 [MW]
-NaS battery power: 1.5 [MW]
-Nas Capacity:13.5 [MWh]

Source: NEDO

CIGRE Canada 2012

25

WG C6.20: Integration of EVs in

Electric Power Systems
Technical Operation

Market Operation

160

Dumb Charging (25% EV)

Generation System

Power (MW)

140

CONTROL HIERARCHY

PLAYERS
Electric Energy
Reserves

GENCO

Without EV

120
100

80
60
40

20
Reserves

Transmission System

TSO

Technical Validation of the Market Negotiation (for the transmission system)

Monday

CAMC

RAU

Electricity
Supplier

Saturday

Sunday

Without EV

100
80

60
40

20
0
Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

MGAU

Parking

EV aggregator providing
with home connected EV

Friday

Multiple Tariff (35% EV)

Monday

MGCC

160

Suppplier/Aggregator

CVC

Thursday

120

Electric Energy

VC

EV
Owner/Electricity
consumer

Controls (in normal system operation)

At the level of

Controls (in abnormal system operation/emergency mode)

Communicates with

Parking

Parking
Facilities

Battery
Replacement

Battery
Suppliers

Sell offer

Smart Charging (57% EV)

140

Battery
Replacement

Electricity
Consumer

Technical validation of the market results

Buy offer

Technical management and market operation

framework for EV integration

Power (MW)

Distribution System

Electric Energy

Power (MW)

Electricity Market
Operators

Reserves

DSO

Electric Energy

Control
Level 3

Wednesday

140

DMS
Control
Level 2

Tuesday

160

Control
Level 1

Without EV

120

100
80

60
40

20
0
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Load profiles with different EV

charging strategies

CHAdeMO Connector

Convener: Joao Abel Pecas Lopes (Portugal)

Completed in 2013

Key Drivers: Social behavior of EV drivers, CO2 emissions, RES integration

EV deployment scenarios and business models
Identification of management and control solutions to accommodate large scale deployment
of EV taking into account drivers interaction
System impacts resulting from the presence of EV
Standardization of technologies and technical requirements
The effects of EV into electricity markets and the need for regulatory and support
mechanisms

Key Drivers for Electric Mobility

Sustainability and environmental awareness,

Economic and policy aspects,
Consumer/driver acceptance,
Evolution of technologies and concepts.

EV Deployment Scenarios,
Market and Business Models
Several EV deployment scenarios, market and business models are described

Figure - EV charged at home with separate meter

Figure - EVS-As, EV owners, and DSO

EV Deployment Scenarios,
Market and Business Models

Figure - EV home charge under EVS-A management

Figure - CPM as commercial or office building with

integrated energy management

The effects of EV into

Electricity Markets
System Operations Planning
-Load profile shape
-Changes in the generation mix
-Changes in energy prices
-Changes in reserve provision
-Gaseous emissions (e.g. CO2), etc

Distribution System
-Transformers and lines loading
- Under-voltages
- Power Quality issues
-Protection settings, etc

Transmission System
-Change stability reserve margins
- Change flows
-Grid loading, etc

The effects of EV into

Electricity Markets
Effects on markets without controlled charging
60

x 10

peaking units

/MWh

system demand + EVs

MW

6
5

system demand

thermal generation

peaking units

40

20

Supply, MW

x 10

60
3

price difference

/MWh

hydro and RES

nuclear generation

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

time, hrs

Figure - System with a total EV penetration of a

4.28% of the system total energy consumption

40

20

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

time, hrs

Figure - Bidding curve for the hypothetical system and price

difference for the market clearing with EVs and with no EVs

Management and Control of EVs

Control and management architectures for EV integration

1 User

EV

I will want to drive 25 km

starting at 09:00
I want confirmation of
the state of charge/range
in my car
Ive changed my plans
and I want to drive 12km
starting as soon as
possible

My maximum
charge/discharge rate is
17kW
My battery energy is
currently 6kWh

3
Charging
Point
Which car is
connected?
What charge/discharge
profile should I use?
Who do I bill?

Dumb

Supplier/A
ggregator
How much should I
add to their bill?
What charge points
are available?
What is the charge
demand?'

Figure - Examples of reasons behind communication

between the different parties involved in the charging
process

Fixed tariff-based

Smart

Distribution
System
Operator
'Is the grid operating
properly?'
'Is the intended change
in load decided by
supplier/aggregator
safe for grid
operation?'

Uncontrolled

Controlled

V2G

Figure - Charging Modes of Operation

Management and Control of EVs

Aggregating agents interfacingt EVs with the markets and DSOs
MV Level
CVC
CVC
CVC

LV Level

Regional Aggregation Unit

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

VC

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

EV Owner

Smart Meter
VC

EV Owner

SUPPLIER/AGGREGATOR

Smart Meter

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter
VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

MV Level
CVC
CVC

Regional Aggregation Unit

CVC

LV Level
VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter
VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

Microgrid Aggregation Unit

VC

EV Owner

Smart Meter

VC
Smart Meter

Figure - EVS/A hierarchical management structure

EV Owner

System Impacts resulting from EVs

Comparing different control charging strategies: dumb; dual tariffs and smart charging
160

Dumb Charging (25% EV)

Power (MW)

140

Without EV

120
100

80
60
40

20
0
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

160

Multiple Tariff (35% EV)

140

Power (MW)

Saturday

Sunday

Without EV

120

100
80

60
40

20
0
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

160

Smart Charging (57% EV)

140

Power (MW)

Saturday

Sunday
Without EV

120

100
80

Smart charging

60
40

20
0
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Figure Load profiles without and with EV

Sunday

System Impacts resulting from EVs

Participation of EVs of the AGC and on the Dynamic behaviour of the system

Figure - Frequency in the Spanish control area for the

scenario with extra wind power

Figure - Interconnection power from Spain to Portugal

for the scenario with extra wind power

Standardization of Technologies
Standards and technologies for slow and fast charging
Charging methods and communication protocols
Reference and description of on-going projects

Figure Samples of Installed Fast Charge Points

WG C6.19: Planning and Optimization

Methods for Active Distribution
Convener: Fabrizio Pilo (Italy)
To be completed in 2014

Scope

Survey on state of the art on planning for active distribution systems

Requirements of planning methodologies (questionnaire)
Identification of short, medium and long term models for active distribution
planning (e.g., technical models, economic and market models)
Reliability models of active distribution systems
Algorithms for active distribution system expansion/upgrade planning suitable to
different scenarios and regulatory frameworks. Methods and tools allow optimal
DES (distributed energy storage) and DG sizing and siting as well design and
integration of microgrids and multi-microgrids

Network Planning
DG Integration challenges with present and future
Challenge
Current solution
Future alternatives
solutions
Voltage rise

Network Capacity

Network Power factor

Sources of Reactive Power

Network Asset Loss of Life

- Operational p.f. 0.95 lagging

- Volt/ VAr control

- Volt/VAr control
- Demand side management
- Storage
- Reinforcement
- Non-firm access
- Storage
- Demand side management
- Limits / bands for demand and - Constant voltage mode?
generation
- Unity power factor
generation?
- Transmission network
- Storage
- SVC
- Wind turbines? (no firm
supply!)
- Strict connection designs and - Constant voltage mode?
network asset specifications
- Dynamic, coordinated
based on technical and
protection settings
economic analyses
- Asset condition monitoring

Network Planning
General considerations under the active distribution
network paradigm
Consideration

Conventional Network

Active Distribution Network

Degree of automation
Control philosophy

- Very little or none

- Local control

Planning metrics

- Capacity requirements
- System losses
- Short-circuit level

Planning options

- Addition of new capacity

- Phase balancing

Modeling DER

- If relevant, synchronous
machine model

- Ubiquitous
- Integrated
- Hierarchical
- Capacity requirements
- System losses
- Energy conservation
- DG curtailment
- Short-circuit levels
- Addition of new capacity
- Phase balancing
- Peak load management
measures
- Addition of storage
- Multiple DG types
- Accurate short-circuit model
- Energy forecasts
- Various control modes

Methods for Active Network Planning

Inadequacy of traditional planning
Definition of
planning study

Distribution networks are, in

general, sized to cope with
the worst-case scenario of a
given load forecast and in a
way that minimum or no
operation is required (Fit
and Forget approach).

Planning
alternative(s)

Deterministic
network
calculations

no

Cost
evaluation

no

Acceptable
planning
solution?

yes

Any
constraint
violation?

STOP

yes

Network
reinforcement

Methods for Active Network Planning

Incorporating operational aspects into planning
Technical Issue

Voltage rise/drop

Hosting Capacity

Reactive Power Support

Protection

Ageing

BAU Distribution Network

Limits/bands for demand and generation
connection/operation
Generation tripping
Capacitor banks
Network reinforcement (e.g.,
lines/transformers)
Dependency on transmission network
Capacitor banks
Limits/bands for demand and generation
connection/operation
Adjustment of protection settings
New protection elements
Limits for generation connection
Fault ride through specifications for
generation
Strict network designs specifications based
on technical and economic analyses

Active Distribution Network

Coordinated volt-var control
Static var compensators
Coordinated dispatch of DER
On-line reconfiguration
Coordinated dispatch of DER
On-line reconfiguration
Coordinated volt-var control
Static var compensators
Coordinated reactive power
dispatch of DER
On-line reconfiguration
Dynamic protection settings

Asset condition monitoring

Methods for Active Network Planning

Challenges (incorporating operational aspects into
planning)
1.

To what extent do operational aspects need to be modelled in planning?

2.

To what extent are sophisticated tools needed?

3.

How can uncertainties be dealt with?

4.

How can ICT infrastructure be cost-effectively planned for the long term?

5.

How should the huge amount of data in ADNs/Smart Grids be handled?

6.

How can the business case for ADNs be correctly assessed?

Reliability of Active Networks

General
While the evolution of distribution reliability tools has
accelerated significantly in the recent years, most of the focus
in these tools has been on peak loading capacity.
While there are now many powerful reliability analysis tools
presently being supplied to the utility industry, deficiencies and
difficulties in perform reliability analyses remain.
Further advancement in models, methods, and metrics will be
required to assess reliability active distribution network
implementations.

Reliability of Active Networks

Reliability Indices
Standard reliability indices for sustained interruptions, e.g.,
SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI, CTAIDI, CAIFI.
Other indices, e.g., ASAI, ASIFI, ASIDI,
Indices for momentary interruptions, e.g., MAIFI, MAIFIE,
CEMSMIn
Power quality indices, e.g., SARFIx.

Reliability of Active Networks

Need for new Reliability Indices

Active distribution networks will warrant the development of additional

indices that reflect new assets and resources as well as changing system
operations.
One such example is distributed generation (DG). Since the reliability
indices are average annual values and normalized by large numbers such
as number of customers, they are frequently too coarse to quantify the
benefit of DG that might improve the reliability for only a small segment
of the system.
Additionally, indicators of curtailment and demand response will have to be
developed to account for inconvenience to the end user including
extraneous factors such as ambient temperature.
Identification of communication infrastructure reliability indices and

Reliability of Active Networks

Issues with Reliability Analysis Tools
Commercially-available reliability analysis tools are designed to
address the problems the customers of each software vendor
are presently experiencing. This results in tools that are often
too inflexible to be adapted to other problems.
Many utilities are purchasing the reliability analysis modules
available in distribution system analysis tools, but finding it
difficult to put them into practice. It is not entirely clear why
this is happening, but the likely reasons stem from insufficient
time for distribution engineers to gather the data to use the
tools.

Demand Side Integration

Distribution planning methodologies in a
smart grid world :
how different Demand Side Integration (DSI), Energy Efficiency (EE),
and Time-Of-Use (TOU) rate scenarios will affect system peaks
DSI = deliberate alteration of electrical energy use
Load response: the end user agrees to be disconnected (with or
without notice, if necessary, upon discount in tariffs).
Price response: the end user intentionally modify its demand
according to its economical purposes

Demand Side Integration

Load modeling
With the evolution of the MV distribution
network management (Active networks,
Smart grids) there is the need to include
operational aspects into the planning
process:
Data from Smart Metering will allow a full
load profile
Daily load profiles can and should be used
in modern planning
Necessity to describe the instant load value
P(t*) with a normal probability density
function

WG C6.22: Microgrid Evolution

Roadmap
Convener: Chris Marnay (USA) , on-going until 2014
34 members, experts and correspondents:
Europe (13), Americas (11), Australia (2), Asia (7), Africa (1)

Definitions
Benefits
Functionalities and technologies
Business cases
Roadmap
Annex 1: Demonstration projects
Annex 2: Microgrids use cases
Annex 3: Microgrids definitions and nomenclature
Alameda County University Zone

Santa Rita Jail Microgrid, California

Santa Rita Jail
The Distributed Energy
Resources Management
System (DERMS)
When a
disturbance
to the utility grid
occurs, the
automatic
disconnect switch
enables the facility
to island itself
from the main
utility grid and
independently
generate and
store its own
energy.

12kV
sub12
kV subcyclestatic
static
cycle
disconnect
switch
switch

1 MW
fuel cell

Sendai Microgrid, Japan

Energy Center
For this Demo

Energy
Storage
System:
Lithium Ion
4 MW-hr
2 MW power

1.2 MW
PV

Chevron Energy Solutions

2012 Chevron

The CERTS-enabled smart

grid supports the seamless
integration of additional
distributed technologies,
including generation,
storage, controls and
communications.

Source: Tohoku Fukushi Univ. Web Site

Labein Microgrid Lab, Spain

Mannheim-Wallstad Microgrid,
Germany

Definition of Microgrids
Microgrids are electricity
distribution systems
containing loads and
distributed energy
resources, (such as
distributed generators,
storage devices, or
controllable loads) that
can be operated in a
controlled, coordinated
way, either while
connected to the main
power network and/or
while islanded.
EU Microgrids (ENK5-CT-2002-00610) and MOREMICROGRIDS (PL019864)

Benefits by Criteria & Recipient

Economic
Benefits

Consumer

Local Market
Value

Aggregation
Platform Value

MicroSource
DSO

Network
Hedging Value
Peak Load
Shaving

Voltage
Regulation

Energy
Loss
Reduction

Reliability
Enhacement

Technical
Benefits

GHG Reduction

Environmental
Benefits

Identification of Microgrid benefits is a

multi-objective and multi-party coordination task

Who will develop a Microgrid?

Who will own or operate it?
Investments in a Microgrid can be done in multiple phases by
different interest groups: DSO, energy supplier, end consumer, IPP
(individual power producer), etc.
The operation of the Microgrid will be mainly determined by the
ownership and roles of the various stakeholders. Three general
models:
DSO owns and operates the distribution grid and also fulfils the
retailer function of selling electricity to end consumers. (DSO
Monopoly)
ESCO are the actors that maximize the value of the aggregated
DG participation in local liberalized energy markets (Liberalized
Market)

Technical Challenges

Use of different generation technologies (prime movers)

Presence of power electronic interfaces
Small size (challenging management)
Relatively large imbalances between load and generation to be
managed (significant load participation required, need for new
technologies, review of the boundaries of microgrids)
Specific network characteristics (strong interaction between active
and reactive power, control and market implications)
Protection and Safety / static switch
Communication requirements

Microgrids Hierarchical Control

MicroGrid Central Controller (MGCC) promotes technical and economical
operation, interface with loads and micro sources and DMS; provides set points
or supervises LC and MC; MC and LC Controllers: interfaces to control
interruptible loads and micro sources
PV
MC

Flywheel
AC
DC

LC
DC
AC
MC

MC

AC
DC

LC

Storage
LC
MC

~ CHP

DMS
DMS

MV

LV

Fuel Cell

MC
AC
DC

MGCC
MGCC
MC
AC
DC

~
Micro Turbine

LC

Centralized vs.
Decentralized
Control

Centralized & Decentralized Control

The main distinction is where decisions are taken

Centralized Control implies that a Central Processing Unit collects
all the measurement and decides next actions.
Decentralized Control implies that advanced controllers are
installed at each node forming a distributed control system.
Choice of approach depends on DG ownership, scale, plug and
play, etc.

Decentralized Control
MultiAgent Systems

Autonomous Local Controllers

FIPA organization
Distributed Intelligence
Java Based Platforms
Reduced communication needs
Agent Communication
Language
Open Architecture, Plug n Play operation
Grid Level
DNO

Agent

MO

Management
Level

......

Agent

Agent

Agent

Microgrid

Microgrid

A
Microgrid

B
MGCC

LC LC
LC

LC

...

Field
Level

Agent
Agent
Agent
Agent

Demonstration sites
stkraft

@ FYROM (INCO)

57

Pilot Microgrid in Kythnos

Supply of 12 buildings (EC projects MORE, PV-Mode, More Microgrids)

WG C6.24: Capacity of Distribution Feeders for

Hosting DER
Objectives
Study DER penetration potential and technical evaluation practices adopted by
DSOs all over the world
Convener: Stavros Papathanassiou (Greece), completed in 2013
Membership: 32 experts from 19 countries/5 continents

Technical Brochure highlights

Overview of technical issues limiting DER hosting capacity
Outline of DSO evaluation
practices (21 countries)
Discussion on means
employed by DSOs to
increase hosting capacity
Case studies

Background
Demand for the connection of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), mainly
renewables, at MV and LV distribution constantly growing
DER capacity exceeding load demand of feeders now a common situation

Planning and operating issues/concerns due to high DER penetration levels:

o Voltage regulation (voltage profile, interaction with regulation means of the
network)
o Harmonics
o Short circuit capacity
o Protection issues
o Overall line/substation power factor
Outcome: DNOs often reluctant to connect new DER Investment delays,
interconnection cost escalation

Scope
Study limits of distribution feeders for hosting DER

Derivation of practical guidelines for connection of DER (if possible, without resorting to
detailed studies)
Topics to be elaborated within the WG:
o Problems caused by connection of DER at distribution level
o Review national experiences, case studies
o Derivation of simple guidelines based on existing practices
o Effect of DER, DSM, EVs and network control in increasing hosting capability
o Limitations and gaps to adopt DER control at the MV, LV levels, technical and
commercial

Technical Issues
Thermal ratings (transformers, feeders etc) especially on:
Low load max generation situations - unavailability of network elements (-1
criterion)
Voltage regulation
Overvoltage (e.g. minL maxG situation or/combined with high penetration in LV
network) - Undervoltage (e.g. large DER after OLTC/VR) - increased switching
operation of OLTC/VR
Short circuit
DER contribution on fault level - compliance with design fault level etc
Reverse power flow impact on:
Capability of transformers, automatic voltage control systems (e.g. OLTC), voltage
regulation, voltage rise etc
Power quality
Rapid voltage change, flicker, DC current injection etc
Islanding Protection
Issues relevant to personnel/consumers/facilities safety, mis-coordination among
protection equipment and reduced sensitivity operation zone

Simplified rules/practices for Host Capacity

Definition
According to several DSOs practices, simplified and applicable rules of thumbs have
been gathered and sorted as follows:

Criteria based on ratings/thermal limits

Criteria based on short circuit capacity
Criteria based on the load-to-generation ratio
Other criteria

The above mentioned can be used as:

Strict method of determining the hosting capacity (potential violation leads to
rejection of DER application for connection to the network) or
First, preliminary and fast interconnection study the violation of which leads to the
conduction of analytical interconnection studies.

Simplified rules/practices for Host

Capacity Definition
Criteria based on ratings/thermal limits
HV Network

Take into account:

1.
2.
3.
4.

-1 situation
Connected load
Possible voltage rise
Possible reverse power
flow

60%*Ptr_N-1 + PminL_sub (Canada)

90%*Ptr_N-1 + PminL_sub (Czech)

HV/MV substation

100%*Ptr_N-1 (Belgium)
65%*Ptr_sub (Italy)
50%*Ptr_sub (Spain)
75%*Circuit breaker
rating (South Africa)
60%*Pth_feeder (Italy)

LV Network
MV etwork

50%*Pth_feeder (Spain)

25%*Ptr and 25%*Circuit breaker

rating (South Africa)

50...100%*Ptr (South
Korea)
75%*Ptr (South Africa)
25%*Ptr (Portugal)

Simplified rules/practices for Host

Capacity Definition
Criteria based on load/generation ratio
HV Network

Take into account:

1. Connected load
2. Avoidance of islanding
situation
3. Voltage regulation
4. Possible voltage rise

50%....100%*PminLoad_sub
(Canada)

HV/MV substation

7%...10%*PmaxLoad_feeder
(Canada)
MV etwork

5%...7.5%*PmaxLoad_feeder
(USA)
15%*PmaxLoad_feeder (South
Africa/USA)

LV network

25%*PmaxLoad_sub (USA)

100%*PminLoad_feeder (USA)

Simplified rules/practices for Host

Capacity Definition
Other Criteria
1. Criteria based on short circuit capacity
Compliance with design fault level (especially at the busbars of the HV/MV
substations)
DER short circuit contribution to network short circuit ratio
DER nominal power to network short circuit ratio

2. Criteria based on limitations defined by TSOs

There is a well defined hosting capacity for each TS/110kV substaition (contract
between TSO-DSO) (Czech)
There is a calculated hosting capacity for the local HV network (Canada)
For DER with nominal power greater than 1 MW, the TSO is informed by the DSO
for evaluation of possible impacts on its network (France)

Simplified rules/practices for Host

Capacity Definition USA Practices
The most DSOs have adopted the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
interconnection procedures or similar to them.

The DSOs separate the whole interconnection evaluation procedure in the simplified
(Fast Track Process) and the analytical one (Study-detailed Process)
Flow charts (too complicated some times) are used to set criteria that are considered
as a safe-side evaluation (screening criteria)
The violation of the simplified procedure leads to the conduction of analytical
interconnection studies.

Transparency and Publicity Practices

Electric Northwest U.K.
Map showing the available substation shortcircuit DER capacity
Distribution areas of 132/33 kV
Short circuit > 100% fault rating of substation
Short circuit = 95-100% fault rating of substation
Short circuit < 95% fault rating of substation

Map showing the available substation thermal

DER capacity
Distribution areas of 132/33 kV
Unlikely to have sufficient hosting capacity
Limited hosting capacity
Available spare hosting capacity

Transparency and Publicity Practices

Application that calculates the station and feeder capacity (Hydro One Canada)
Criteria:
Available thermal capacity of transformers and feeders
Available short circuit capacity
DER to load ratio

Means employed by DSOs to increase

the Hosting Capacity

Swallow and deep connection works:

Reinforcement, rearrangement
New (dedicated) networks

Short-circuit issues:
Network elements upgrading
Generators characterized by low short-circuit contribution, transformers with high
impedance value and installation of series inductors

Voltage regulation:
Upgrading OLTC/VR (higher bandwidth, readjustment of control settings, cancellation
CTs to modify OLTC settings)
Readjustment of MV/LV transformers fixed taps or/and installation of MV/LV
transformers equipped with OLTC
Conversion of fixed shunt capacitors to switched

Means employed by DSOs to increase

the Hosting Capacity

Control of DER
Reactive power control (P-Q, V-Q ..), active power curtailment

Future concepts
Centralised or decentralised storare for peak saving
Coordinated (centralised or decentralised) voltage control
Usage of SCADA software or other (smart grids, web-interfaces e.g.)

Conclusions
Limiting factors for DER interconnection:
Thermal ratings
Voltage regulation
Short circuit current
Reverse power flow
Power quality
Simplified rules/practices for defining Hosting Capacity:
Criteria based on ratings/thermal limits
Criteria based on short circuit capacity
Criteria based on the load-to-generation ratio
Other criteria
Transparency and publicity practices adopted by DSOs:
Tables, geographical maps, applications (calculators)
Means available to increase DER hosting capacity:
Reinforcement, rearrangement or even construction of new network
Reactive and active DER power control
Storage machines (centralised, decentralised)
Coordinated voltage control, smart grids etc

New CIGRE C6 Working Groups

WG C6.27 Asset management for distribution network with high penetration of
DER, convenor Britta Buchholz, 2012-2014
JWG C6.25/B5/CIRED Control and Automation Systems for Electricity Distribution
Networks of the Future , convenor Giuseppe Mauri, 2012-2014
JWG B5/C6.26/CIRED Protection of Distribution System with Distributed Energy
Resources , liaison member Birgitte Bak-Jensen, 2012-2014
JWG C4.C6.29 Power quality and PVs , liaison member Stavros Papathanassiou,
2013-2015
JWG C4/C6.35/CIRED Modelling and dynamic performance of inverter based
generation in power system transmission and distribution studies, 2013-2016
WG C6.36 The Impact of Battery Energy Storage Systems on Distribution Networks,
Convener Richard Rivas, under approval