Yves Brissette

Photovoltaic inverter characterization testing on a physical distribution system

This paper presents results from testing a 135 kW inverters anti-islanding capabilities on a real test distribution feeder. The tests that were conducted are supplemental to current standards of anti-islanding testing, as various experiments are performed that are not all included in IEEE Standard 1547.1. These tests provide interesting insights to the operation of the system with the DG, as well as the inverter control system. Such tests that were carried out included: islanding with zero power mismatch between DG and load while varying P (also the quality factor), capacitor switching, motor start-up, and islanding with a motor. They were all performed on a physical distribution test system, using real distribution equipment, so no modeling assumptions or simplifications were made. The results of the tests are recorded and analyzed, and a discussion of the results and importance of the tests are presented.

An Autoground System for Anti-Islanding Protection of Distributed Generation

Due to the variety of distribution generation (DG) sizes and technologies connecting to distribution networks, and the concerns associated with out-of phase reclosing, anti-islanding continues to be an issue where no clear solution exists. This paper presents an autoground approach that was proposed in the context of an IEEE working group on best practices for DG protection. A prototype system was constructed using standard distribution apparatus and a recloser controller, and it was tested on the utilitys distribution test line. Results show that the anti-islanding detection time is approximately a cycle longer than the delay associated with application of the autoground. Once the autoground was applied, the DG was disconnected within 1 cycle on overcurrent protection. The solution is inherently scalable, applicable to all DG types, is configurable to various reclosing practices and does not require additional equipment or settings changes at the producers site.

IVACE: A self-regulating variable Reactor

Inductance Variable Auto-Controle/spl acute/e a/spl grave/ Entrefers (IVACE) is a self-regulating variable reactor consisting essentially of passive components: magnetic cores with air gaps, four windings, and a diode bridge rectifier. Originally designed for use as a static var compensator, it is now used by Hydro-Que/spl acute/bec near its 735-kV transmission lines as a new voltage regulator for the overhead-ground-wire supply system for the utilitys microwave stations in remote areas.

The ideal IED for smart distribution applications

Distribution system equipment controllers are a fundamental building block in the development of Smart Grid applications. As a corollary to standardization efforts in communication protocols and object models, there are significant benefits that can be achieved through the standardization of controllers. While SG applications will certainly be piloted using existing products, over the long term this approach will undoubtedly result in stalling large-scale deployment of smart distribution system applications. This paper describes an initiative aimed at the development of a standardized, modular intelligent electronic device (IED). The authors present the rational behind the project, work to date, and the vision as it relates to a flexible smart distribution network.

Overhead-ground-wire power supply regulation by IVACE

The self-regulating variable reactor Inductance Variable Auto-Controle/spl acute/e a/spl grave/ Entrefers (IVACE) is the major component of a new voltage regulator, connected to a transformer, for the purpose of regulating the overhead-ground-wire and distribution voltages at quasi constant values within a specified power range. The transformer also has been redesigned. The system seems to be very robust and generates very small distortion, as seen in the waveshapes of the voltage produced. Hydro-Que/spl acute/bec is now in the process of implementing this new system in its task of restoring its microwave facilities and their ground-wire supply in remote areas. The technologies developed in this project could be used in other applications.

Universal controller for Smart Grid

Sensors and controllers of major distribution equipment (reclosers, voltage regulators, switches and cap banks) are fundamental building blocks in the development of Smart Grids and Smart Distribution Applications (SDA). There are significant benefits for utilities and manufacturers that can be achieved through the standardization of these devices. In turn, this would facilitate the deployment of smart distribution applications (SDA). The sensor-controller pair is the foundation upon which Smart Grid applications are built. Standardization, interoperability, and interchangeability of different controllers and the way they connect to the system are integral to realization of the Smart Distribution Vision. This paper describes an initiative aimed at the development of a generic technical specification of a standardized universal controller, based on a modular concept. The authors present the rationale behind the project and the vision as it relates to a flexible smart distribution grid.

Load design for a 25 kV distribution test line

Hydro-Québecs 25 kV distribution test line has been designed to enable testing of advanced distribution applications and the associated equipment. A critical part of this infrastructure is the ability to emulate different load characteristics, including real and reactive power, power factor, voltage dependency, and harmonics. This paper describes the design and validation through simulation of the load emulation system. Simulation results illustrate that, through various control modes, the load is capable of providing not only the required real and reactive power setpoints, but also the ability to vary the power quality, specifically harmonic content, as well.

Commissioning tests of 100kWh battery energy storage system for a distribution test line

Recent advancements in energy storage systems have provided viable solutions to challenges posed by the evolving grid. Electric grid related energy storage applications include energy time-shift, upgrade deferral for transmission and distribution network infrastructure and energy management services. In the microgrid context, energy storage can enable a higher penetration of renewable energy sources. In this regard, a battery energy storage system (BESS) has been set on the distribution test line in Varennes to study the potential applications of a BESS in a distribution network. This paper describes the installation, electrical characteristics and operation modes of the 100 kWh Lithiumion BESS. Results of the commissioning tests are presented and discussed.

Attenuation of sound and temperature caused by faulted distribution cable joints

This paper briefly describes the products and effects resulting from the failure of distribution cable joints in a manhole. Lab tests reproducing the field conditions have been performed to characterize two specific aspects: the maximum sound level and the air temperature rise during a cable joint fault. Since the effects could be hazardous for workers, a special device has been designed to reduce the sound and air temperature values to safe levels.

Real-time testing platform for microgrid controllers against false data injection cybersecurity attacks

This paper proposes a real-time hardware-in-the loop (HIL) testing platform for microgrid cybersecurity analysis. The developed platform emulates the microgrid network, the distributed energy resources (DER) and their corresponding local controllers on a real-time digital simulator (RTDS). The main microgrid controller functions are implemented on a separate digital controller. The microgrid communication network is implemented in hardware and the messages exchanged are compliant with the IEC 61850 generic object oriented substation event (GOOSE) messaging protocol. An impact assessment of false data injection (FDI) cyber-attacks on the critical microgrid control functions, specifically, loss of load due to under frequency load shedding (UFLS) has been conducted. Mitigation solutions that enhance the resilience of the microgrid to FDI attacks have been proposed. Real-time simulation results are used to quantify the attacks impact and the mitigation scheme effectiveness on the dynamic frequency response of microgrids in terms of reliability metrics, including the amount of load lost, the frequency nadir and the time needed to reach frequency stability. A 25 kV distribution system adapted from a utility feeder and reconfigured as a microgrid has been used as the benchmark test system. Applicable utility grid codes and standards are considered throughout.