Towards the power networks of the future

Abstract

The progressive penetration of conventional and renewable electrical generation into power distribution systems is driving major changes in the whole power systems infrastructure [1]. In particular, the main involved aspects are: active and optimal control of distributed generation (e.g. [2,3]), networks real-time monitoring, with particular reference to distribution networks, (e.g. [3,4,5]), the definition, development and deployment of massive storage technologies (e.g. [6]), the definition of new protections schemes to maximize power systems reliability (still at the distribution level) [3,7] as well as develop appropriate control schemes for demand side management and active customer integration (e.g. [8,9]).Concerning the subject of power networks optimal control, typical optimization problems refer to scheduling of generators, voltage control, losses reduction etc. So far, these categories of problems have been commonly investigated in the domain of high voltage transmission networks. However, the increased penetration of distributed energy resources in power distribution systems has raised the importance of developing optimal control strategies specifically applied to the operation of these networks (e.g. [10-13]).The aspect related to the networks real-time monitoring calls for a massive use of advanced and smarter monitoring tools that allows: (i) faster and reliable real-time state estimation and (ii) development of new protection schemes. One of the most promising technologies in this field is certainly represented by the distributed measurement of synchrophasors based on the use of phasor measurement units (PMUs) [14-17].Concerning storage technologies, the increase of the penetration of renewable energy resources into electrical networks is, and will be, largely dependent to the availability of energy storage systems. Indeed, the use of energy storage systems could, in principle, provide several ancillary services to electrical grids such as: balance of renewables energy production, balance local loads, reserves provision, islanded operation of distribution systems, integration into low voltage microgrids, etc. The above-mentioned services are characterized by different energy and power requirements that involve the use of appropriate storage technologies (e.g. [18]).The final of the above-mentioned subjects refers to the need of developing advanced protection schemes with particular reference to the requirements associated to the connection of distributed energy resources in active distribution networks.With reference to the above-mentioned subjects, the talk will focus on the needs, challenges as well as already developed tools and methodologies needed to promote the progress of modern and future electric power networks in to the so-called 'Smart Grids'.