Gerardo Guerra

A Parallel Monte Carlo Method for Optimum Allocation of Distributed Generation

This paper presents a procedure for estimating the optimum allocation of distributed generation (DG) units in large distribution systems by using a multicore computing environment. The main goal of this work is to explore the application of a refined parallel Monte Carlo method for energy loss minimization in three-phase distribution systems when considering the intermittent nature of some distributed resources and the time varying shape of the loads. The procedure has been implemented in an open environment in which OpenDSS is driven from MATLAB. Some examples illustrate the scope of the proposed procedure.

Analysis of large distribution networks with distributed energy resources

espanolLa conexion de recursos energeticos distribuidos (es decir, generacion distribuida y almacenamiento de energia) y algunas demandas especiales (por ejemplo, el coche electrico) generan nuevos retos en el analisis y simulacion de redes de distribucion. Unidades con generacion intermitente, asi como demandas variables en el tiempo o asimetricas, requieren nuevas prestaciones que hasta muy recientemente no han estado disponibles en herramientas de simulacion de redes de distribucion; por ejemplo, prestaciones para llevar a cabo simulaciones probabilisticas o en funcion del tiempo. Este articulo presenta el trabajo realizado por los autores para adaptar OpenDSS, un simulador libre de analisis de redes de distribucion, y poder realizar este tipo de estudios teniendo en cuenta que el modelo de la red de distribucion es en general muy grande y complejo. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es presentar la aplicacion de OpenDSS, funcionando como herramienta autonoma o controlada desde MATLAB, en el analisis y diseno de grandes redes de distribucion. Varias aplicaciones han sido desarrolladas para obtener las curvas anuales de demanda y generacion renovable (solar, eolica) y poder ejecutar OpenDSS en un entorno de calculo distribuido; es decir, en una instalacion con multiples procesadores funcionando en paralelo. EnglishThe connection of distributed energy resources (i.e., distributed generation and energy storage) and some special loads (e.g., electrical vehicle) raises new challenges in distribution system analysis. Intermittent and non-dispatchable generation units, time-dependent or asymmetrical loads require capabilities that until very recently were not available in distribution software packages; for instance, capabilities for probabilistic and time mode simulations. This paper presents the work made by the authors to adapt OpenDSS, a freely available distribution simulator, in order to perform these types of studies taking into account that the model of an actual distribution system is usually very large and complex. A goal of the paper is to present the usage of OpenDSS as either a stand-alone tool or as a COM DLL driven from MATLAB. Several applications have been developed to obtain yearly curve shapes aimed at representing time-varying loads and renewable energy sources (sun, wind) and to run OpenDSS in a distributed computing environment (e.g., multicore installation).

Optimum placement of distributed generation in three-phase distribution systems with time varying load using a Monte Carlo approach

A procedure has been developed for estimating the optimum allocation of distributed generation (DG) units in distribution systems. The approach is based on a single-target model in which the objective is loss minimization. The main goal of this work is to explore the application of a Monte Carlo based method for loss minimization of a three-phase distribution system when considering the intermittent nature of some distributed resources and the time varying shape of the node loads. The procedure has been implemented in an open environment in which OpenDSS is driven from MATLAB. Some examples illustrate the scope of the proposed procedure.

A Monte Carlo method for optimum placement of photovoltaic generation using a multicore computing environment

This paper presents a custom-made model of photovoltaic (PV) generator and a simple procedure for estimating the optimum allocation of PV generation units in distribution systems. The approach is based on a single-target model in which the objective is loss minimization. This work explores the application of a Monte Carlo method for loss minimization in a three-phase distribution system when considering the time varying shape of the node loads and that only solar generation is connected to the system. The procedure has been implemented in an open software platform in which OpenDSS is driven from MATLAB and uses a multicore distributed computing environment.

A review of tools, models and techniques for long-term assessment of distribution systems using OpenDSS and parallel computing

Many distribution system studies require long-term evaluations (e.g. for one year or more): Energy loss minimization, reliability assessment, or optimal rating of distributed energy resources should be based on long-term simulations of the distribution system. This paper summarizes the work carried out by the authors to perform long-term studies of large distribution systems using an OpenDSS-MATLAB environment and parallel computing. The paper details the tools, models, and procedures used by the authors in optimal allocation of distributed resources, reliability assessment of distribution systems with and without distributed generation, optimal rating of energy storage systems, or impact analysis of the solid state transformer. Since in most cases, the developed procedures were implemented for application in a multicore installation, a summary of capabilities required for parallel computing applications is also included. The approaches chosen for carrying out those studies used the traditional Monte Carlo method, clustering techniques or genetic algorithms. Custom-made models for application with OpenDSS were required in some studies: A summary of the characteristics of those models and their implementation are also included.

A Monte Carlo approach for distribution reliability assessment considering time varying load and system reconfiguration

This paper presents the basic features of a sequential analytical Monte Carlo approach for reliability evaluation of distribution systems. The document includes a description of the procedure, implemented in an open environment in which OpenDSS is driven from MATLAB, and some simulation results derived from the analysis of an overhead distribution test system.