Mihai Sanduleac

Integrating the Electrical Vehicles in the Smart Grid through unbundled Smart Metering and multi-objective Virtual Power Plants

This paper presents a solution for integrating Electrical Vehicles in the Smart Grid through unbundled Smart Metering and Virtual Power Plant technology dealing with multiple objectives. Within this frame, EV can benefit of cost-effective energy during the charging period but can also provide multiple ancillary services to the network, by wisely using their storage capability and their flexibility in coupling to the grid. Simulation of an EV providing services under a multi-objective VPP is also presented, with analysis and conclusions about the technical feasibility of such applications.

Syncretic Use of Smart Meters for Power Quality Monitoring in Emerging Networks

Operation of distribution networks undergoes dramatic changes in the era of smart grid deployment, due to the higher penetration of distributed generation (usually from intermittent resources), to an ever-increased share of power electronics mediated energy transfer, but also thanks to advancements in instrumentation including smart meters (SMs). In this context, alternative power quality (PQ) monitoring and control, based on a lightweight assessment of voltage parameters to be implemented in new SM would allow optimal real-time network operation and market-correlated services. To this, the authors propose a signal analysis framework for simplified PQ informative assessment method using the so-called instrumentation values available in most of todays SM. It is highlighted that the voltage characteristics made available with high reporting rates can be efficiently used in deriving information on quality of the electricity supplied by public electricity networks. Further applications like smart grid synchro-SCADA observability and voltage control are also addressed in a novel design of SM, with negligible impact on cost.

Power quality assessment in LV networks using new smart meters design

This paper addresses the issue of power quality management in smart grids. Present development of smart grid technologies such as smart metering are continuously generating novel opportunities and breakthroughs for improving the distribution system performance. This paper proposes a novel approach to be implemented in the new generation of smart meters. This alternative method for harmonics and voltage level analysis dramatically reduces the computational power, in order to allow the inclusion of such functionalities in new Smart Meters design. The developed algorithm is detailed and some results are presented. This solution provides an easy access to the power quality issues at customer level, being an important improvement when prosumers are also considered. Unbundled Smart Meter design is also analysed as an appropriate solution for implementing complex PQ assessments.

The unbundled smart meter concept in a synchro-SCADA framework

Active distribution networks, based on an increased use of intermittent, non-controllable energy resources, require advanced control systems. Smart meters are already ubiquitous in low voltage (LV) networks and can play a major role in grid operation. In this paper is presented a new Smart Meter solution able to positively impact the emerging energy markets and to be integrated in MV/LV dispatch centers. Specific topics of LV network observability, enabled by IP-based communication solutions, such as Synchro-SCADA and data anonymization, are also addressed. The unbundled smart meter concept is a unifying approach of both Smart Meters and Smart Grid architectures. The concept is in progress to be implemented by the European R&D project NOBEL GRID.

A new approach for technological ancillary services measurement and aggregation by metrological procedures

The energy generation moved significantly towards the renewable sources and their installed capacity exploded. Systems are operated by TSO-s using Energy management procedures supported by EMS-SCADA systems. We face more challenges for the systems stability purpose and therefore the usage of ancillary services becomes more critical. These services are provided within a market, and consequently there is need for more accurate solutions of measurement to encourage the competition and increase the quality of such services. Current solutions for such services measurement are based on EMS-SCADA applications. This paper is proposing more accurate solutions for measuring of ancillary services by using metrology energy meters with 1 minute load-profiles and specific on-line/off-line applications. Measurement of active energy with meters, combining additional computations, can bring accurate determination of ancillary services, including within VPP aggregations and providing also quality of service indicators. This paper will focus mainly on the secondary regulation of active power.

Energy awareness, an important goal for empowering the end customer

Sustainable use of energy through an increased public and individual awareness is an important goal from several perspectives: it is a useful mean to obtain energy savings based on users behavior change, it is a way to understand the local and general context of energy ecosystem related to renewable energy contribution and to carbon footprint and its possible correlation with ambient factors. Thus it helps the citizens in being more responsible towards energy consumption by improving their knowledge and capabilities to take meaningful decisions related to energy aspects. Moreover, awareness on power quality such as supporting the end-user with analysis regarding the voltage level of power grid can also become an effective way of understanding network problems versus user appliances behavior on various voltage patterns. Our approach addresses energy data acquisition based on smart meters, to support energy awareness applications. In this paper we study aspects regarding awareness of energy production versus consumption, that enable a “follow renewables” consumption behavior, as well as awareness on power quality of delivered energy. The overall approach aims to empower customers to positively manage their energy consumption, in line with the European Union Energy Strategy that promotes energy markets with the customer having a central role.

Analytical derivation of PQ indicators compatible with control strategies for DC microgrids

Power quality related to DC microgrids is still on virgin grounds of research. However, it may play an important role both in the design stage and on the DC microgrid control scheme to be adopted. Currently there is no comprehensive, quantitative and qualitative analysis on which of the power quality features are the most stringent constraints to be taken into account. This work is an attempt of defining and quantifying a set of power quality indices for DC microgrids. We relate our analysis on the design aspects of DC/DC power converters that are the most critical elements interfacing sources and loads in a stand-alone low voltage DC microgrid.

Enabling novel smart grid energy services with the nobel grid architecture

Changes in electricity markets, driven by the increased use of renewable energy resources and the active participation of consumers in managing their energy usage, creates a demand for new smart grid technologies and services. In this paper, we describe an architecture that has been developed within the EU-funded Nobel Grid project, integrating novel smart grid solutions and services to enable energy flexibility markets, with enhanced demand-response schemes and active prosumer participation. The architecture was developed using the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) Framework from CEN-CENELEC-ETSI. In this way, the business context and use cases have been modelled, along with the necessary components, communication protocols and data models that are necessary to realise the Nobel Grid projects ambitious goals of a more open energy market.

Supporting market solutions by calculating ancillary services and quality of service with metrology meters

The increasing penetration of renewables at TSO and DSO level, requires more complex solutions for ancillary services. Currently, in large interconnected power systems, there are various solutions for their calculation. The ancillary services for load balancing control or for cross-border power exchange are currently calculated based on SCADA measurements or on TSOs AGC order. In this paper authors propose alternative solutions for calculating, with high accuracy, the ancillary services and quality of service by using legally enforced metrology meters using 1-minute load profiles. These solutions are based on several exploratory tests performed within the Romanian power system and on various simulations. Moreover, the traded quantities on energy and balancing markets can be exactly retrieved on the metrology meter measurement — trustable through IEC accuracy compliance, thus bringing high transparency and trust for partners. The method applies also for aggregated services provided e.g. by Virtual Power Plants.

Fostering innovation cooperative energy storage systems: The Storage4Grid project

Storage4Grid is a 36-months project funded by the European Commission under call LCE-01-2016, Area 1 (Storage). Storage4Grid aims at boosting the uptake of storage technologies between the distribution grid level and the end-user level, by developing a novel, holistic methodology for modeling, planning, integrating, operating and evaluating distributed Energy Storage Systems (ESS) including storage at user premises and storage at substation level, Electrical Vehicles (EVs), innovative energy metering and energy routing technologies. This paper shortly outlines the challenges tackled by the project, its goals, the chosen methodology and its reference scenarios and test sites.