Jan Kays

Time series based distribution grid planning approach with decentralised voltage regulation

One of the most crucial constraints in operation of power systems is keeping the permitted voltage intervals. Uncontrolled distributed generation may cause voltage problems in distribution grids, due to static power factors. Recent converter technologies allow variation of the power factor. Therefore, the consideration of units with these technologies in the planning process respects their ability of providing reactive power. Then, unnecessary network extension can be avoided. In this paper, an extension of an agent-based simulation platform for distribution networks is presented. The decentralized generation units are represented by agents that are able to adjust the reactive power consumption or in-feed according to the network status. In combination with the voltage control the presented system provides realistic loading and voltage time series for a selected grid section. With this simulation the utilities are able to determine the probability of loading situations and plan their network in a more efficient way.

Evaluation of storage systems in distribution networks by means of an agent-based simulation system

The increasing amount of renewable feed-in and new devices like electric vehicles and individual storage systems require an adapted expansion planning process for distribution grids. Todays way of planning with extreme scenarios lacks in taking into account the special behaviour of these new devices and infeed. Therefore the network expansion is often inefficient in case of oversized investments and not adapted to the real requirements. In this paper, an extension of an existing agent-based simulation system with storage agents is presented to consider the effects of storage systems in medium or low voltage grids during their planning. Within this simulation realistic time-series are generated, forming the basis for further determination of loading probabilities in the planning process for network extension and grid investments.

Multi-agent Based Planning Considering the Behavior of Individual End-Users

The volatile feed-in of distributed generation based on renewable energy sources as well as new and intelligent loads and storages require an appropriate consideration in the distribution grid planning process. With the conventional planning method being dependent on extreme scenarios, the consideration is very limited. Therefore, a new planning tool based on the concept of a multi-agent system is presented. In this system, every network user is represented by an agent, allowing not only the consideration of the volatile feed-in characteristics of renewable energy sources but also of the dependencies between the network users and their environment. Every network user is modeled as an agent of its own, guaranteeing the preservation of its individual character. Within this chapter, a system overview is given and the agent design process demonstrated on the example of the household load agent and the storage agent, including negotiations. This multi-agent system generates time series for all relevant system variables, defining detailed input parameters in the distribution grid planning process. The probabilities of occurrence of loading situations can be derived from the time series. For the first time, this allows for a detailed determination of the conditions in the up to now rarely measured medium and low voltage grids. As a consequence, new assumptions for the planning process are derivable, permitting a demand- and future-oriented grid planning and avoiding over-dimensioning of the grids.

The Generation of Distribution Grid Models on the Basis of Public Available Data

The analysis and validation of innovative methods and concepts for distribution grids like smart-grid approaches require a realistic representation of the grid structure. However, the availability of real grid data for distribution grids is insufficient. Therefore, a method for the generation of model grids for all distribution grid voltage levels is developed, utilizing publicly available map data. Based on the information within the map data, the supply task as well as locations of substations can be derived. Dependent on the voltage level, different approaches have to be chosen, which are outlined in this contribution. These approaches take into account the specific requirements in the different voltage levels. The developed approaches enable the generation of exemplary grid structures in dependency of regional supply task specifications.

Integral distribution grid planning process considering the impact of heat pump systems

With the rising amount of volatile distributed generation and high power electric loads in the distribution system, the supply task in the context of network planning is changed significantly. These units are often installed on a low- or medium-voltage level and influence the loading situation in all voltage levels. Their behavior is often influenced by the environmental conditions. To face these challenges, a multi-agent-system (MAS), which determines the behavior of network participants on a time-series base, is developed. The simulation software determines the loading state of the grid levels and enables an integral analysis of the distribution system. In this contribution, the implementation of an agent representing the electric characteristics of heat pump units and the disaggregated power flow calculation approach is outlined. The developed integral network simulation system is presented in a multi-level benchmark grid and opportunities for the future planning process are outlined.

Analyse des Wärmepumpenverhaltens zur Erweiterung eines Verteilnetzplanungswerkzeugs

Kurzfassung—Die Herausforderungen in der Energieversorgung, wie die Zunahme dezentraler Energieumwandlungsanlagen und flexiblere Lasten, erfordern eine Berucksichtigung bei der Planung und Optimierung von Verteilnetzen. Fur eine effiziente Bewertung der Verteilnetze sind daher Anpassungen der Planungsverfahren notwendig. Eine Moglichkeit stellt die agentenbasierte Simulation der Verteilnetze mit den dort vorhandenen Netzteilnehmern dar. Jeder Netzteilnehmer wird in Form eines einzelnen Agenten abgebildet und das Zusammenwirken aller Agenten bildet ein Multiagentensystem. In diesem Beitrag wird zur Erganzung einer bereits vorhandenen Simulationsumgebung ein Agent zur Modellierung von Warmepumpen entwickelt. Abschliesend erfolgt eine Simulation, in der die Auswirkungen von Warmepumpen auf ein exemplarisches Niederspannungsnetz dargestellt werden.