Demand-side Resources Research Articles

Power flow distribution identification via machine learning algorithm and distributed resource clearing method

Abstract Under the background of dual carbon, a large number of distributed new energy sources are connected to the demand side, which leads to great risks in the operation of the power system. As an effective solution, distributed power transaction still has problems, such as high clearing time, unknown low-voltage distribution network structure, and resource scheduling ignoring user needs. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimal regulation method of demand-side resources based on distributed transactions. Based on the historical operation data of the distribution network, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to study the relationship between node injection power, node voltage, and node-side line power flow. It is also used to check the results of distributed transactions and design a market mechanism for rapid clearing and settlement of distributed transactions. The results of an example show that the identification of power flow distribution in a distribution network based on reinforcement learning can meet the security check requirements of distributed transaction results.

Performance optimization of VPP in fast frequency control ancillary service provision

This paper proposes a computation offloading method for performance optimization in the fast frequency control ancillary service (FFCAS) provision of a virtual power plant (VPP). VPP aggregates massive demand-side resources to provide power systems with the FFCAS. It faces excessive communication and computation tasks. Edge computing addresses these issues through computation offloading. Heavy tasks can be partially offloaded to the edge to relieve the burden of the central server. Existing offloading methods, however, are not specific for the VPP. To fill the gap, first, an age of information (AoI) model is introduced to characterize the data flow of an edge-enabled VPP. Next, an AoI-based FFCAS performance evaluation model is proposed considering the impacts of communication delay, communication failures, and computational delay. Then an FFCAS performance optimization model is formulated. It aims to maximize VPP’s profit through communication offloading and the DSR portfolio determination. Simulation results show that the proposed method can efficiently improve VPP’s profit.

Low-carbon operation strategy of virtual power plant considering progressive demand response

Adapting virtual power plants (VPPs) to the development of new power systems has gradually become a trend. Meanwhile, the economical and effective use of demand-side resources in VPPs has become a research hotspot in the field of new energy. This paper proposes a low-carbon operation strategy with progressive demand response (DR). A DR model id established by evaluating the scheduling potential of low-carbon and flexible loads and the DR transfer of different users motivated by incentive mechanisms. Because the changing carbon price in carbon trading also affects the response transfer amount, it is beneficial to reduce the operating cost of the energy system by using consumers’ surplus value according to consumer psychology to guide energy users to participate in DR. Finally, wind, light, user load data and VPP internal unit output are optimized in rolling mode over multiple time scales, and the optimal adjustment results of the previous day are taken as the basis. At the same time, the output deviation penalty function is added to further reduce the system cost. The nonlinear model of DR cost is transformed into a mixed integer linear model, which is modeled on MATLAB software and solved by a CPLEX optimization solver. The case analysis shows that the progressive DR strategy may increase the total operating cost of the system, but reduce the cost of the carbon emission. The proposed model and method can not only improve the feasibility and effectiveness of market supervision strategy, but also provides a useful reference for operators and demand-side users in energy systems to choose strategies.

Airport time profile construction driven by flight delay prediction

Slot structure is the equilibrium result of market demand side and slot resource supply side, while slot parameters reflect the operational support capacity of the aviation system. Time parameters reflect the operational support capability of the aviation system. Time structure should not only reflect changes in market demand, but also meet the constraints of operational efficiency. Constructing a reasonable 18–24 h timetable profile for busy airports that meets normal expectations for declared capacity and seasonal scheduling is a challenge in civil aviation slot management. This study utilizes historical data on airport flights and weather conditions to establish a regression prediction model for the time structure using K-means clustering and partial least squares regression. Additionally, ensemble learning is employed to forecast flight delay levels. The findings demonstrate that random forest yields favorable results in regression and prediction tasks, allowing for the integration of upper (good weather) and lower (severse weather) limits of the time profile with delay predictions as time parameter intervals. Consequently, the flights falling within these intervals achieve an average delay level of less than 15 min which meets the expectations of normal flight.

Optimal dispatching of distributed photovoltaic system based on operating costs

Abstract This article investigates the method of distributed photovoltaic optimal dispatching method. The goal is to minimize the operating costs of the distribution network system by coordinating electric heating and distributed energy storage when adjusting the demand-side resources of the distribution network. The analysis is conducted on the operating costs of the distribution network system under different penetration rates of photovoltaics to further promote the accommodation capacity of distributed photovoltaics. The research results show that when the penetration rate of photovoltaics is less than or equal to 90%, only electric heating needs to participate in the accommodation capacity of distributed photovoltaics; when the photovoltaic penetration rate exceeds or equals 100%, both distributed energy storage and electric heating need to participate in the accommodation capacity of distributed photovoltaics. As the penetration rate of photovoltaics gradually increases, the total operating costs and purchased electricity costs show a downward trend. When the penetration rate of photovoltaics increases from 70% to 100%, the network loss costs decrease first, but when the penetration rate reaches 110%, photovoltaics cannot be completely integrated, leading to an increase in network loss costs and dispatching costs. This method fully utilizes the flexible adjusting capabilities of electric heating loads and distributed energy storage, promotes the accommodation capacity of distributed photovoltaics, and improves the economic efficiency of distribution network operation.

Corrective Evaluation of Response Capabilities of Flexible Demand-Side Resources Considering Communication Delay in Smart Grids

With the gradual increase in the proportion of new energy sources in the power grid, there is an urgent need for more flexible resources to participate in short-term regulation. The impact of communication network channel quality will continue to magnify, and factors such as communication latency may directly affect the efficiency and effectiveness of resource regulation. In this context of a large number of flexible demand-side resources accessing the grid, this article proposes a bidirectional channel delay measurement method based on MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). It can effectively evaluate the real-time performance of communication links, considering that resources mainly access the grid through the public network. Subsequently, focusing on two typical types of resources on the demand side, namely, split air conditioners and central air conditioners, this article proposes an assessment method for correcting the response capabilities of air conditioning resources considering communication latency. Experimental simulations are conducted, and the results demonstrate that under given communication conditions, this method can more accurately estimate the response capability of air conditioners. This provides a basis for formulating more reasonable scheduling strategies, avoiding excessive or insufficient resource regulation caused by communication issues, and aiding the power grid in achieving precise scheduling.

A multi-stage techno-economic model for harnessing flexibility from IoT-enabled appliances and smart charging systems: Developing a competitive local flexibility market using Stackelberg game theory

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources with power systems has led to greater uncertainties, heightening the need for more flexible services. Demand-side resources can provide significant flexibility cost-effectively, making it crucial to design new business models to harness their flexible capacities. Hence, this paper introduces a three-stage techno-economic framework designed to enhance the exploitation of flexible capacities from demand-side resources such as Internet-of-Things (IoT)-Enabled Appliances (IEAs), Battery-Integrated Rooftop Solar Panels (BIRSPs), and Electric Vehicle (EV) smart charging systems in the local flexibility market. The proposed framework operates in three stages. First, smart homes with IEAs, BIRSPs, and smart charging systems assess their flexibility and report it to their Microgrid (MG) operators. Next, MG operators optimize strategies to maximize market returns and report capacities to the Distribution System Operator (DSO). Finally, the DSO manages flexibility transactions based on MG inputs. A Stackelberg game theory model using a gradient-based method updates the coupling variables between market parties, ensuring convergence in the second and third stages within a decentralized space with limited information sharing. Implemented on a modified IEEE 69-node distribution system, the model fully utilizes the potential of smart homes, including IEAs, BIRSPs, and smart charging systems in the local flexibility market. It reduces the Upstream Network (UN) share in the local flexibility market by 56.86% and decreases DSO costs for energy balancing by 22.36%.

Research on the Coordinated Trading Mechanism of Demand-Side Resources and Shared Energy Storage Based on a System Optimization Model

With the development of the economy and society, the importance of a secure and stable electricity supply continues to increase. However, the power grid is facing the test of excess installed capacity, the waste of renewable energy, and a low comprehensive utilization rate. This problem stems from the inconsistent peak–valley differences between power production and consumption, and the lack of clear electricity price signals, which disrupts the safe and stable operation of the power market. This paper combines the interactive transactions among clean energy power generation companies, users, and energy storage, explores how the system optimization model can be reflected in the power market through regulatory measures, and formulates the optimal output scheme of the system under the constraints of clean energy power generation forecast data, user base load forecast data, demand-side resource regulation ability, and energy storage system regulation ability to achieve the goals of comprehensive clean energy power consumption and minimum cost for users. A comprehensive analysis of the proposed model was conducted using actual data from a certain province in China, the results show that the consumption of clean energy will increase by 3% to full consumption and the total cost of users will be 32% lower than that of time-of-use (TOU) power prices, which proves the potential of the proposed joint optimization model in absorbing clean energy and the effectiveness of the market mechanism.

Optimal power flow method with consideration of uncertainty sources of renewable energy and demand response

Optimal power flow (OPF) calculation methods are important for the power system operation and mainly focus on the deterministic power flow calculation, neglecting the impact of demand response on online security calculation of power systems with renewable energy sources. Therefore, this paper proposes an OPF calculation method that considers the uncertainties of wind power, photovoltaic (PV) power generation and demand-side response. Firstly, the research focuses on the renewable energy grid, considering the uncertainties of wind power and PV power generation, and establishes uncertainty models for wind power and PV output. Secondly, based on cloud model theory, an uncertainty model for demand response is established. According to the established models, an efficient OPF model is constructed with a linearized submodels considering multiple uncertainties. By testing on the IEEE 30-bus system as a typical example, we found the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed OPF calculation method can benefit the power system economic operation and demand side resource utilization.

Research on distribution–microgrid-coupled network demand response based on a multi-time scale

Under the background of “dual carbon” strategy, the integration of renewable energy adds volatility to the grid. Relying solely on generation-side resources for regulation is inadequate, necessitating a flexible demand response from diverse demandside resources. This paper employs a physical connection and information exchange between the distribution network and microgrids to leverage the advantages of centralized-distributed optimization. This establishes a coordinated demand response model between the distribution network and microgrids, gradually establishing a new type of distribution network that integrates interconnected grids and microgrids. This also necessitates the analysis of the response characteristics of various load resources within microgrids and the categorization and modeling of loads based on their response speeds. Additionally, a method for evaluating the multi-time scale schedulable capacity of microgrids is proposed. Finally, a coordinated demand response model between the distribution network and microgrids based on the schedulable capacity assessment is established. This model is validated through case studies, demonstrating its effectiveness. The coordinated demand response between distribution networks and microgrids enables them to operate in a collaborative and economically safe manner.

Aggregation of building predictive energy flexibility in smart microgrid

Numerous demand-side resources possess significant potential to offer substantial flexible reserves and ancillary services, thereby enhancing the economic and technical performance of power systems within the demand response domain. A novel approach to aggregating the energy flexibility of buildings based on the virtual battery model is proposed in the smart microgrid, employing predictive control techniques while ensuring consumer privacy. The individual approximation process is implemented to extract the flexible capacity of local resources while protecting information privacy. Subsequently, the aggregator collects the flexibility information to develop an optimization strategy for maximum flexibility aggregation at the upper level, enabling the broader exploitation of global flexibility. The feasibility of power disaggregation is guaranteed according to the aggregation procedure. Furthermore, the comprehensive framework accommodates temporal preferences for flexibility requests from the aggregator. Numerical simulations are conducted to perform a comparative analysis with existing state-of-the-art methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach exhibits improved adaptability in characterizing the aggregate flexibility from buildings, effectively managing the heterogeneity of load characteristics and the variability in the collected flexibility information. Microgrids can realize cost savings and achieve dynamic flexibility utilization. This methodology can be extended and applied to diverse types of flexible resources.

Coordinated operation of PV/EV/Temperature controlled loads in distribution network

Abstract In order to solve the problems of voltage exceeding limits, local use, and reverse power flow due to the high proportion of distributed photovoltaic grid connections, a distributed photovoltaic uptake method considering demand-side resources and energy storage is proposed. Firstly, based on the equivalent thermal parameter (ETP) method, a load scheduling model for temperature-controlled loads is established. Secondly, with the objective function of minimizing the comprehensive operating cost of the distribution system, combined with the regulating effect of energy storage, stability and safety constraints for the distribution network, as well as the adjustable characteristics of thermal storage electric heating, air conditioning load, and electric vehicles, a demand side optimization model for the distribution network is established, which takes into account voltage safety and distributed photovoltaic uptake. Finally, based on historical data in Fengning County, Chengde City, and a certain park in Tangshan City, simulation analysis was conducted to obtain scheduling schemes and various scheduling indicators for the joint participation of demand-side resources and energy storage in the distributed photovoltaic local use of the distribution network under different permeability. The effectiveness and rationality of the proposed distributed photovoltaic consumption model were verified.

Active Planning for Virtual Microgrids with Demand-Side and Distributed Energy Resources

In this paper, the notion of a cohesive and self-sufficient grid is proposed. Based on a cohesive and self-sufficient virtual microgrid, an active distribution network is optimally planned, and an optimal configuration of demand-side resources, distributed generations, and energy storage systems are generated. To cope with stochastic uncertainty from forecast error in wind speed and load, flexibility reserves are needed. In this paper, the supply relation between flexibility and uncertainty is quantified and integrated in an innovative index which is defined as cohesion. The optimization objectives are a minimized operational cost and system net-ability cohesion as well as self-sufficiency, which is defined as the abilities both to supply local load and to deal with potential uncertainty. After testing the optimal configuration in the PG&E 69 bus system, it is found that with a more cohesive VM partition, the self-sufficiency of VMs is also increased. Also, a case study on uncertainty-caused system imbalance is carried out to show how flexibility resources are utilized in real-time operational balance.

Research on day-ahead optimal dispatching of virtual power plants considering the coordinated operation of diverse flexible loads and new energy

Large-scale new energy access to the power grid poses significant challenges to its stable operation. Differentiated user-side power consumption patterns further widen peak-valley differences in power demand. This paper focuses on operation scheduling problems of virtual power plants with coordinated optimization of diverse flexible loads and new energy, through efficient aggregation and optimization control of new energy and demand-side resources, improving power supply and demand mismatch. Firstly, Long Short-Term Memory and Latin Hypercube Sampling were employed for predicting the day-ahead output of wind and photovoltaic power. Secondly, wind and photovoltaic power, batteries and a pumped storage plant were aggregated into a virtual power plant, and the day-ahead optimization scheduling model was constructed considering system operation costs, energy curtailment costs and demand response costs. Finally, a simulation analysis was conducted. The results show that when large-scale new energy accesses to the power grid, traditional “Generation varies with Load” regulation modes will cause massive energy waste, while the “Generation-Load Interaction” regulation mode can achieve the linkage optimization between the generation side and the demand side, enhancing the system acceptance of new energy. Demand response can optimize users’ power consumption behaviors, reducing the charging costs by 52.13 % and heating costs by 0.84 %.

Optimal configuration method of demand-side flexible resources for enhancing renewable energy integration

Demand-side flexible load resources, such as Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Air Conditioners (ACs), offer significant potential for enhancing flexibility in the power system, thereby promoting the full integration of renewable energy. To this end, this paper proposes an optimal allocation method for demand-side flexible resources to enhance renewable energy consumption. Firstly, the adjustable flexibility of these resources is modeled based on the generalized energy storage model. Secondly, we generate random scenarios for wind, solar, and load, considering variable correlations based on non-parametric probability predictions of random variables combined with Copula function sampling. Next, we establish the optimal allocation model for demand-side flexible resources, considering the simulated operation of these random scenarios. Finally, we optimize the demand-side resource transformation plan year by year based on the growth trend forecast results of renewable energy installed capacity in Jiangsu Province from 2025 to 2031.

Optimal allocation of customer energy storage based on power big data and improved LSTM load forecasting

This research explores the potential of energy storage investment with a focus on regional power users. An incentive-based demand response framework is constructed, emphasizing the aggregation of demand-side resources for active participation in the power market. Utilizing a data-driven approach, the improved Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) model is employed to predict customer behavior in response to incentives. The primary objective is to maximize the life cycle benefit while minimizing the payback period for users investing in energy storage. By harnessing big data analytics, suitable users for energy storage investment are identified and optimal capacity allocation is determined. Given the current energy storage parameters and dynamics of electricity pricing, boundary values for profitable user energy storage capacities are derived. This methodology filters users with capacities exceeding these thresholds, marking them as potential candidates for energy storage deployment. Furthermore, a measurement model for iron phosphate batteries is introduced. Analysis of adjustable resource capacity, duration, and benefits for potential users provides insights into optimal energy storage investment strategies. Integrating configured energy storage batteries with time-of-use tariffs substantially reduces energy storage costs, leading to enhanced economic efficiency.

Energy optimal scheduling strategy considering V2G characteristics of electric vehicle

in recent years, large-scale electric vehicles connected to the power grid has a significant impact on demand-side resources. In addition, the vehicle-to-grid technology of electric vehicles introduces more uncertainties, which brings great challenges to the optimal scheduling of integrated energy systems. To solve this problem, this paper fully considers the uncertainty and fluctuation of wind power. Firstly, the objective function of joint configuration is constructed to maximize the utilization of wind power and minimize the planned generation cost of the system. Secondly, the linearized power flow equations are used to represent the relations among the state variables, and the second-order cone relaxation method is applied to deal with the branch power flow constraints, which is transformed into a solvable mixed-integer second-order cone programming model. Finally, the validity of the model is verified by an example. The system achieves obvious peak-shaving and valley-filling effect and improves the economic benefit of the system.

A multi-objective two-stage stochastic programming approach for wind farms and demand side provider decisions using the weighted metric method

The rapid expansion of wind-based renewable energy sources highlights the critical need to enhance reserve capacity within power systems. This research aims to develop an effective model for harnessing the combined potential of flexible demand-side resources, acting as demand-side providers (DSPs), to address the inherent unpredictability of wind power. The DSP framework comprises three demand response aggregators: the capacity market program (CAP), energy storage systems (ESSs), and plug-in electric vehicle parking lots (PEVs PLs). To achieve this, a multi-objective two-stage stochastic programming model is introduced. It not only minimizes operational costs for system operators but also maximizes returns for demand-side resource owners supervised by DSPs in the energy and reserve market environment. The problem is tackled using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach employing a weighted metric methodology. Within this framework, the Weibull probability distribution function (WPDF) is utilized to model wind power uncertainty, while the truncated Gaussian distribution function (GDF) encapsulates the uncertainty regarding electric vehicle owner behavior. The results demonstrate that employing this method for simultaneous programming of energy and reserve not only reduces system operator costs but also enhances profits for resource owners.

Stochastic programming based coordinated expansion planning of generation, transmission, demand side resources, and energy storage considering the DC transmission system

With the increasing penetration of wind and solar energies, the accompanying uncertainty that propagates in the system places higher requirements on the expansion planning of power systems. A source-grid-load-storage coordinated expansion planning model based on stochastic programming was proposed to suppress the impact of wind and solar energy fluctuations. Multiple types of system components, including demand response service entities, converter stations, DC transmission systems, cascade hydropower stations, and other traditional components, have been extensively modeled. Moreover, energy storage systems are considered to improve the accommodation level of renewable energy and alleviate the influence of intermittence. Demand-response service entities from the load side are used to reduce and move the demand during peak load periods. The uncertainties in wind, solar energy, and loads were simulated using stochastic programming. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified through numerical simulations.

Research on economic dispatching strategy of electric vehicles participating in frequency regulation ancillary service

Electric vehicles (EVs) are demand-side resources capable of rapid power adjustments. When clustered as aggregators in frequency regulation (FR) services, EVs have the advantages of low deployment cost and fast response speed. This passage studies description of uncertain scenarios when aggregators participate in FR services. With a focus on the optimization of charging and frequency reserve capacity for aggregators participating in FR, a conversion method from FR signal sequence to FR demand is proposed based on historical data of FR signals. The intent is to address the uncertainty of both system FR and load electricity consumption. This passage provides an uncertain characterization of FR demand, which performs as a key indicator of proposed economic dispatching strategy. The result shows how different levels of risk appetite affects the real-time responsiveness, thus mentoring the strategic decision of how much reserve capacity should be provided for FR.