Alejandro Marano-Marcolini

Exploiting the Use of DC SCOPF Approximation to Improve Iterative AC SCOPF Algorithms

This paper focuses on improving the solution techniques for the AC SCOPF problem of active power dispatch by using the DC SCOPF approximation within the SCOPF algorithm. Our approach brings two benefits compared with benchmark SCOPF algorithms: it speeds up the solution of an iterative AC SCOPF algorithm thanks to a more efficient identification of binding contingencies and allows improving the objective by an appropriate choice of a limited number of corrective actions for each contingency. The proposed approach is illustrated on five test systems of 60, 118, 300, 1203, and 2746 buses.

Enhancing the integration of renewable sources in distribution systems using DC-links

This work proposes the use of DC-links between existing radial distribution feeders so that full advantage is taken of their maximum capacity, which is particularly important when new distributed generators are to be connected at the distribution level. An optimization tool is developed to determine the optimum settings for the DC-link control variables, in order to maximize the penetration of dispersed sources subject to customary electrical constraints. Simulation results regarding two real networks are presented to illustrate the former advantages. Also, improvements in system operation resulting from the presence of DC-links are studied and discussed. A real loss model for the DC link is considered in all test cases.

DC Link Operation in Smart Distribution Systems With Communication Interruptions

DC Links are proposed in the literature as a mean to enhance the system performance and facilitate the integration of dispersed generators in distribution grids. Their operation relies on a centralized controller which gathers the measurements acquired along the network to compute their adequate set points. This system architecture provides several technical benefits but strongly depends on communication infrastructures (meters, data concentrators, etc.) which may fail. When this happens the DC links may not work properly, even forcing the system operator to disconnect them until the communications are restored. This paper proposes operational strategies to avoid the malfunction or disconnection of DC links when communication interruptions occur. Several simulations are done to assess how these strategies affect the performance of the DC links. An actual Spanish 100-bus distribution system with a DC link is used as a test bench in different situations.

DC link operation in smart distribution systems with communication interruptions

DC Links are proposed in the literature as a mean to enhance the system performance and facilitate the integration of dispersed generators in distribution grids. Their operation relies on a centralized controller which gathers the measurements acquired along the network to compute their adequate set points. This system architecture provides several technical benefits but strongly depends on communication infrastructures (meters, data concentrators, etc.) which may fail. When this happens the DC links may not work properly, even forcing the system operator to disconnect them until the communications are restored. This paper proposes operational strategies to avoid the malfunction or disconnection of DC links when communication interruptions occur. Several simulations are done to assess how these strategies affect the performance of the DC links. An actual Spanish 100-bus distribution system with a DC link is used as a test bench in different situations.