Energy Resource Management System Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА ПОТЕНЦИАЛА ЭНЕРГОСБЕРЕЖЕНИЯ В БЮДЖЕТНЫХ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЯХ В СИСТЕМЕ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЭНЕРГОРЕСУРСАМИ (СУЭР)

Developed and in operation since 2019, the information and analytical Energy Resources Management System of the Belgorod Region (ERMS) ensures the digitalization of processes related to the provision of measures to improve energy efficiency related to the powers of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and local governments. The SEER uses methods for assessing the energy efficiency of large geographically distributed consumers of utility resources based on an individual analysis of the characteristics and heat consumption of individual buildings. Currently, the SEER includes information for 2,144 municipal and regional institutions in the Belgorod region, which operate in 5,332 buildings. Costs for energy resources and water in 2023 in these institutions amounted to 4.8 billion rubles; over the five years of operation of the SUER, they decreased by 8% under comparable conditions. Based on SEER data, the total savings potential that can be achieved in regional and municipal institutions of the Belgorod region is 14.3% of annual costs for energy resources and water, including 0.8% from organizational activities and 13.5% from technical measures with an average payback period of 6 years. During 2021–2024, pilot projects for the implementation of SEMS were implemented in 9 Russian regions and one organization, which showed savings potential ranging from 4.4 to 29.5%.

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Smart Inverter Testing with Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems

The increasing integration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters and inverter-based resource (IBR) systems into the power grid emphasizes the critical need for standardized procedures to ensure their reliability and effective grid support functions. This research is driven by the gap in standardized testing methodologies for smart inverters, which are pivotal for the stability and quality of power in distributed energy systems. We used a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) laboratory setup to conduct a comprehensive analysis of smart inverters within a simulated real-world grid environment. Our approach integrates a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) with PHIL testing to evaluate the smart inverter’s performance across various operational modes. The detailed test protocols mimic real-world grid conditions, enabling the examination of the inverter’s dynamic response to grid disturbances, control strategies, and communication protocols. The primary aim of this study is to rigorously test and validate the primary functions of smart inverters, focusing on their impact on overall grid stability and power quality management. This includes advanced features like Volt–VAR, Volt–Watt, dynamic power factor control, and the seamless integration of smart inverters into DERMSs and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMSs). Furthermore, we aim to bridge the current gap in standardized testing procedures, contributing to the establishment of robust standards and operating protocols for smart inverter integration into the grid.

Evaporator with horizontal water plane stabilization

Evaporation plays an important role in maintaining water balance and managing water resources in reservoirs. This problem is relevant in hot regions with a lack of fresh water. In addition, reliable operation of evaporators plays an important role in preventing overheating and ensuring safe cooling of reactors which is critical to maintaining nuclear safety. The complete control and accurate measurement of the evaporation process provided by the developed device enables efficient water management ensuring the stability of nuclear power plants and minimising environmental risks. Evaporators are used to control the evaporation process in reservoirs. Based on the analysis of existing evaporators and their shortcomings, an evaporator with horizontal plane stabilization in the pan is developed. Due to this function the developed device allows to control the evaporation process with higher accuracy by reducing fluctuations in the water level in the evaporator. The developed device contains an autonomous power supply that uses energy-saving technology based on a solar battery which ensures operation without additional sources. The use of such a power supply increases the evaporator reliability. One of the important advantages of this device is the use of a cellular-based information transmission channel to the control center which allows to transmit the results of evaporation quickly monitoring and make water management decisions accordingly. In addition, the use of a GPS navigation system allows to set or determine the coordinates of the evaporator installation in the reservoir accurately. The developed device can be included in an intelligent energy resource management system; its use will significantly improve the safety and sustainability of nuclear power plants by improving evaporation process control. It will also optimize the nuclear power plants operation, promote efficient management of water resources and ensure safety in the nuclear energy field.

The Moderating Effect of Corporate Governance Mechanisms on the Nexus between Sustainability Reporting and the Value of Nigerian-Listed Manufacturing Companies

The study investigates the Moderating Effect of Corporate Governance on the Nexus between Sustainability Reporting (SR) on the Value of listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria, precisely the effect of Board Size (BS) and Board Independence (BI) on the nexus subsisting between SR and FV. Secondary data for 36 sampled companies was obtained from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) database for eleven (11) years, 2012–2022, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and a two-step GMM system. Findings therefrom revealed that SR exhibits a positive and significant impact on EVA. At the same time, it was found not to influence Tobin's Q. Further revealed from the analysis was that none of the CG mechanisms introduced had a moderating effect on either of the FV proxies used. The study recommended that management provide clear and concise information on how sustainability initiatives align with the company's financial goals and contribute to value creation over time. These companies should invest in energy efficiency and resource management systems, develop sustainable products and services that meet market demand and align with sustainability goals to reduce their cost of capital. Also, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) should make a provision requiring companies to appoint a significant number of the board with relevant knowledge in sustainability issues and that there is the need for them to review the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, specifically board composition, to include sustainability committees.

Enhanced complete ensemble EMD with superior noise handling capabilities: A robust signal decomposition method for power systems analysis

AbstractSignal decomposition is crucial in several domains, particularly in the dissection of complex signals present in electrical power systems. Understanding the oscillations and patterns within these signals can significantly influence energy resource management, grid stability, and efficient system operation. This paper presents an advanced enhanced decomposition method based on Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) to mitigate the inherent drawbacks of the conventional CEEMDAN and its improved version. Unlike CEEMDAN's generalized noise approach, the proposed method introduces adaptive noise, enhancing target signal noise handling by incorporating a tailored filtering and updating process after each iteration. This leads to more accurate signal decomposition compared to traditional methods. Comprehensive tests were conducted using artificially generated signals characterized by mode mixing, varying frequency oscillations, complex real‐world electrical demand signals, generator axis vibrations and partial discharge signals. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms traditional techniques in two significant aspects. First, it provides superior spectral separation of the intrinsic modes (IMF) of the signal, thereby enhancing decomposition accuracy. Second, it significantly reduced the number of shifting iterations, thereby alleviating the computational load. These advancements have led to a more accurate and efficient framework that is essential for analyzing nonlinear and nonstationary signals.

Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) and Its Coordination with Transmission System: A Review and Co-Simulation

Ever-increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the power grids, alongside their numerous benefits, brings new challenges that call for enhanced solutions in the field of control and management of power grids. The majority of the available research have considered either distribution or transmission grids in their studies. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the effects of DERs on the distribution and transmission grids is performed. The focus of this paper is on hierarchical management methods in order to categorize different approaches and highlight the gaps. Moreover, a review is conducted in the field of the newly introduced distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) concept. A DERMS can facilitate the hierarchical energy management procedure due to its functionalities and broad capabilities. Hence, its implementation in energy management and its impact on the power grid will be assessed with the aid of a co-simulation platform that considers both transmission and distribution grids.

Enabling mass integration of electric vehicles through distributed energy resource management systems

Global initiatives are actively progressing to integrate large numbers of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to electrify and decarbonize the transportation sector. This approach plays a crucial role in addressing global greenhouse emissions and pollution problems. However, mass integration of EVs imposes unprecedented challenges to electrical power systems, especially to their distribution grids. These challenges range from planning issues, where the traditional panning procedures are not adequate for integration of EVs and their charging stations, to operational challenges, where a huge number of dispersed EVs can cause peak load increase, voltage violations, congestions, feeder overloads, etc. Hence, despite the significant importance of maximizing the deployment of EVs, their stochastic integration can give rise to critical challenges in electric power systems, thereby impeding their subsequent expansion. Therefore, in order to properly integrate mass amounts of EVs, without causing technical violations in the electrical power system, intelligent software tools are required, to aid distribution system operators and engineers in the transition to a new era of electrified transportation. In this paper, we argue that novel software solutions called Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMSs) are a key solution for enabling a safe integration of mass amounts of EVs into emerging distribution grids. Specifically, we introduce a novel Hybrid DERMS framework, as an integration of multiple hierarchical levels of DER management solutions, and propose this solution as a suitable instrument for distribution system operators and grid engineers to safely integrate and manage high volumes of EVs within the grid infrastructure. The hypothesis is validated through a real-life use case for integration and management of high amounts of EVs into an existing distribution grid, using an industrial DERMS solution. Specifically, an in-depth analysis of adding two large charging stations, boasting capacities of 5 MW each, has been performed through all stages of integration, from the planning stage, up to using their flexible output to manage technical constraint violations in real time. The influence of these EV charging stations on both the feeder where they are planned to be integrated, as well as on the entire supply substation, have been analyzed in detail. The resultant findings, especially on successfully managing overloads, peak load increases, as well as voltage violations through intelligent use of aggregated EVs through DERMS, have proven to be notably encouraging, further substantiating the paper’s hypothesis.

СУЧАСНІ РІШЕННЯ ДЛЯ ПРИЄДНАННЯ ВІДНОВЛЮВАНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ ЕНЕРГІЇ ДО СИСТЕМИ ЕЛЕКТРОПОСТАЧАННЯ

According to the Energy Strategy of Ukraine, the development of renewable energy sources (RES) is expected to be the most dynamic compared to other types of generation. However, the existing energy problems and threats require the development of new and amendment of existing legislative and by-laws, as well as a number of sectoral norms regulat-ing activities in the energy sector. The article provides an overview of the world's current trends in renewable energy, as well as the formation of areas that should be focused on when reforming the energy sector. The long-term energy policy of the state should be focused on the effective integration of RES into the power supply system. To this end, it is necessary to stimulate and control the implementation of distributed power generation management systems, virtual power plants, and energy storage systems. The gradual growth of electric vehicles leads to the use of Vehicle-to-Grid technology, especially when considering modern microgrids or "smart grids" with RES. And the concept of an "active building" is a key step towards decarbonizing the construction sector. Ref. 9, fig. 2. Keywords: renewable energy sources, distributed energy resource management systems, virtual power plant, energy storage system, Vehicle-to-Grid, Plus Energy Buildings.

A Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator Application to Mitigate Voltage Variation for Distribution Feeders

With the growing penetration of distributed energy resources (DER), the accompanying challenges have led utilities to limit the hosting capacities of DER installations on distribution feeders. A distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) is a power electronic device to provide dynamic injections and absorption of reactive power into the distribution grid with more flexible and reliable voltage control and power quality improvement. A distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) is developed to provide more effective control of a DSTATCOM that can help substantially increase hosting capacity and mitigate overvoltage problems with the existing feeder. A Taiwan power company’s (Taipower) feeder is selected for computer simulation, and the DSTATCOM is employed in the test feeder to demonstrate the effectiveness of the DSTATCOM in improving the overvoltage problems. The voltage/reactive power (Volt/VAR) control of the DSTATCOM helps reduce overvoltage/voltage fluctuations as the DER output increases.

СМАРТ-СІТІ У ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННІ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ЛЮДИНИ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ

The features of developing a smart city in war conditions are studied. In conditions of danger, the developed infrastructure of the city can help its residents, which is what the “smart city” is focused on in its human-centric approach. The international experience of ensuring the safety and resource-saving of a smart city in emergencies has been studied: initiatives to combine technologies and people; creation of “green” and “smart” construction laboratories; energy resource management system; methods for incorporating technical and social development into improving the quality of life; robotic systems that help to properly use resources in the event of a threat. The role of a smart city in ensuring a person’s social security in the context of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and the features of cooperation between the private and public sectors when launching smart city initiatives is analyzed. The place of small and medium-sized businesses in the provision of services in the first months of the war was found: providing the population with food and medicine, free travel on some routes, free Internet services in shelters, which helped people receive timely notifications and stay in touch with their relatives. We concluded that projects that increase the safety of citizens and provide equipment for shelters or their modernization, as well as energy-saving measures, are extremely important in a war. Therefore, ways to balance between human social security and smart city resource saving in times of war include the following: the use of public-private partnership (when private capital is attracted, part of the budget funds is released and can be directed to the implementation of other strategic and important projects in smart cities), providing benefits to projects to improve human security and energy conservation due to damage to energy infrastructure facilities, as well as social projects aimed at improving living conditions and social adaptation of people.

Utilizing Aggregated Distributed Renewable Energy Sources With Control Coordination for Resilient Distribution System Restoration

Due to the energy transition process, distribution systems will feature a high penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (RESs). The multiple distributed generation can provide emergency power supply to critical loads against blackouts caused by natural disasters and malicious attacks. However, the uncertainty of RESs, the control mode variation of RESs together with energy storage systems (ESSs), and the interaction among distribution system operator (DSO) and RESs add increasing difficulties to load restoration decisions. This paper applies the coordination control strategy to enable RESs to regulate the frequency and voltage during restoration process. Then, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMSs) and its aggregation characteristic are studied in load restoration. Finally, a two-step scenario-based stochastic optimization with the DSO-DERMS interaction framework is formulated to utilize RESs for resilient distribution systems. At last, the proposed critical load restoration optimization method is validated on a modified IEEE 37 and 123 node test feeder to verify the effectiveness.

Sistеmi zа uprаvlјаnjе distribuirаnim еnеrgеtskim rеsursimа: stanje u oblasti

Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) are new software platforms designed to provide distribution system operators (DSO) with a specialized set of tools that enable them to maximize the benefits of integrating and managing a large amount of distributed energy resources (DER). Ideally, DERMS should cover a wide range of tools, offering advantages to both DSOs and end users. However, as DERMS technology is still evolving, its definition remains unclear and can refer to very different levels of software hierarchy, ranging from virtual power plants and DER aggregators to centralized systems intended for control centers of distribution companies, called Utility DERMS. Although all these different technologies are often simply referred to as DERMS, they are distinct concepts with different sets of tools and aim to provide different services to different stakeholders. The goal of this paper is to describe the structure of DERMS tools, to highlight the problems and challenges faced by DSOs due to the integration of a large amount of DERs, and to indicate the possibility of overcoming these challenges through the use and integration of different levels of DERMS solutions.

Distributed energy resource management systems—DERMS: State of the art and how to move forward

AbstractDue to an ever‐increasing rise in proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs), the paradigm of passive electrical distribution networks is shifting toward active distribution systems. This new environment introduces a plethora of challenges that cannot be managed by traditional tools, whose utilization could compromise the reliability and efficient operation of distribution feeders. This article systematically reviews state of the art in different DERs management software solutions available today. Additionally, it establishes distinguished roles and responsibilities of different levels of hierarchy in distinct solutions that are all commonly called DERs management systems—DERMS (e.g., fully centralized versus fully decentralized DER management solutions). Lastly, it offers a viewpoint on the directions that hold potential for the power system community and industry to explore for further developments of more robust and intelligent DERMS, to successfully enable efficient transition into a new era of clean and sustainable power systems, encompassing active and dynamically changing distribution circuits.This article is categorized under:Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and DecarbonizationEnergy and Power Systems > Distributed GenerationEnergy and Power Systems > Energy Management

Analysis and Design of a Smart Controller for Managing Penetration of Renewable Energy Including Cybersecurity Issues

This article presents an optimal distributed energy resource management system for a smart grid connected to photovoltaics, battery energy storage, and an electric vehicle aggregator. These management systems are one of the key factors for the optimal control of power converters connected to the grid. The proposed management system includes the communication architecture necessary for realizing the information flow between the individual control of the distributed generators and the master supervisory control algorithm. The work carried out on two levels is first to design a control strategy for energy management and validate it with the grid in real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation integrating the IEC61850 communication layer and physical intelligent electronic devices. The second is to analyze the vulnerabilities of the designed methodology for cybersecurity threats explicitly with the extension of IEC61850 to electric vehicle aggregators for communication with the master energy management. A man-in-the-middle attack conducted in the supervisory communication layer enabled us to investigate the effects of such an attack on the performance and operation of the smart electric grid.

Edge security in smart inverters: Physical invariants based approach

The endeavour towards making power distribution systems (PDSs) smarter has made the interdependence on communication network indispensable. Further, prospective high penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources in the form of distributed energy resources (DERs) has resulted in the necessity for smart controllers on such DERs. Inverters are employed for the purpose of DC to AC power conversion in the distribution network where the present standards require these inverters to be smart. In general, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) calculate and send set points/operating points to these smart inverters using protocols such as smart energy profile (SEP) 2.0. Given the nature of sites at which such DERs are installed i.e., home area networks with a pool of IoT(Internet-of-Things) devices, the opportunity for a malicious actor to sabotage the operation is typically higher than that for a transmission system. National Electric Sector Cyber-security Organization Resource (NESCOR) has described several failure scenarios and impact analyses in case of cyber attacks on DERs. One such failure scenario concerns attacks on real/reactive power control commands. In this paper, it is demonstrated that physical invariant based security on the edge devices, i.e. smart controllers deployed in DER inverters, is an effective approach to minimize the impact of cyber attacks targeting reactive power control in DER inverters. The proposed defense is generic and can also be extended to attacks on real-power control. The proposed defense is validated on a co-simulation platform (OpenDSS and MATLAB/SIMULINK).

Detection of Falsified Commands on a DER Management System

Distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) are increasingly deployed to manage potential adverse impacts of DERs on distribution feeder voltages. However, communication channels used by DERMS controllers, along with the unmanned substations where they are deployed, provide a target for cyber attackers to cause severe voltage disturbances. The voltage problems can damage equipment, trip inverters, and cause undesirable operations of voltage regulating devices. In this paper, using detailed cyber-physical models, the various cyberattack paths an adversary may use to conduct falsified control command cyberattacks are presented. Robust and fast acting centralized cyber layer and de-centralized inverter intrusion detection are also proposed. This two-tiered system can detect and mitigate these cyberattacks before the power system layer is impacted, even if the DERMS controller itself has been compromised. The cyberattack models and proposed intrusion detection techniques have been validated using IEEE test feeders.

Modeling Environment for Testing a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) Using GridAPPS-D Platform

The electric power system is currently undergoing a major transition due to growing numbers of distributed energy resources (DERs) and increased distribution automation. If optimally managed and operated, DERs could provide flexibility and highly valuable grid services such as restoration, peak shaving, voltage regulation, and frequency support to maintain grid reliability. Different applications and enterprises, such as distributed energy resources management systems (DERMS), are being developed for coordinated and optimal operation of DERs. However, to attract sufficient DER participation and achieve the coordinated operation of DERs, systems and components must be interoperable and information exchange must be secure. Along this line, the Portland State University power engineering group is developing Energy Grid of Things (EGoT) DERMS prototype. The proposed application requires the coordinated dispatch of large numbers of DERs and testing such a system presents a challenge; it is not practical to test system prototypes using thousands of real DERs. Hence, the modeling environment (ME) is designed as a co-simulation tool to model interactions between a DERMS and a mass of simulated DERs. The ME is expected to address the scalability issue inherent to hardware-in-the-loop DERMS simulation; many assets are needed to observe effects on the grid from deployment and dispatch of DERs. To enable the development and testing of such advanced applications for power distribution system planning and operations, the U.S Department of Energy developed GridAPPS-D™, an open-source, standards-based platform at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This paper introduces the proposed ME for testing a DERMS application. The architecture of the ME is presented, and the GridAPPS-D features for a such simulation environment are discussed. Additionally, the procedure for developing the ME within the GridAPPS-D platform and use of different APIs for efficient and timely integration are discussed in detail.

Integration of Utility Distributed Energy Resource Management System and Aggregators for Evolving Distribution System Operators

With the rapid integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), distribution utilities are faced with new and unprecedented issues. New challenges introduced by high penetration of DERs range from poor observability to overload and reverse power flow problems, under-over-voltages, maloperation of legacy protection systems, and requirements for new planning procedures. Distribution utility personnel are not adequately trained, and legacy control centers are not properly equipped to cope with these issues. Fortunately, distribution energy resource management systems (DERMSs) are emerging software technologies aimed to provide distribution system operators (DSOs) with a specialized set of tools to enable them to over-come the issues caused by DERs and to maximize the benefits of the presence of high penetration of these novel resources. However, as DERMS technology is still emerging, its definition is vague and can refer to very different levels of software hierarchies, spanning from decentralized virtual power plants to DER aggregators and fully centralized enterprise systems (called utility DERMS). Although they are all frequently simply called DERMS, these software technologies have different sets of tools and aim to provide different services to different stake-holders. This paper explores how these different software technologies can complement each other, and how they can provide significant benefits to DSOs in enabling them to successfully manage evolving distribution networks with high penetration of DERs when they are integrated together into the control cen-ters of distribution utilities.

Voltage Regulation Performance Evaluation of Distributed Energy Resource Management via Advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

This paper evaluates the performance of coordinated control across advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), distributed energy resources (DERs), and distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) using an advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform. This platform provides a realistic laboratory testing environment, including accurate dynamic modeling of a real-world distribution system from a utility partner, real controllers (ADMS and DERMS), physical power hardware (DERs), and standard communications protocols. One grid service—voltage regulation—is evaluated to show the performance of the coordinated grid automation system. The testing results demonstrate that the coordinated DERMS and ADMS system can effectively regulate system voltages within target operation limits using DERs. The realistic laboratory HIL testing results give utilities confidence in adopting the grid automation systems to manage DERs to achieve system-level control and operation objectives (e.g., voltage regulation). This helps utilities mitigate potential risks (e.g., instability) prior to field deployment.

Utility DERMS for Active Management of Emerging Distribution Grids with High Penetration of Renewable DERs

Operational and planning challenges caused by ever-increasing integration of electronically coupled renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) have become a reality all over the globe. These challenges range from technical constraint violations to malfunctional setting and coordination of the protective equipment and inaccurate operational planning. Moreover, to enable the preconditions for the integration of high penetration of renewable DERs, utilities are faced with potentially huge investment requirements in strengthening the grid assets. However, recent advances in specialized software solutions for integration and active management of high penetration of DERs could turn these challenges into operational and monetary benefits. Hence, if planned, managed, and operated in an optimal way, the high penetration of DERs could be a valuable resource for increasing the efficiency of the overall management of distribution grids. Utility distributed energy resource management systems (utility DERMSs) aim to provide all of these capabilities integrated into a single software solution. In this paper, a utility DERMS concept is introduced, and the capabilities of state-of-the-art utility DERMS solutions for helping the key stakeholders to pave the way towards stable, optimal, and secure emerging distribution systems with high penetration of electronically coupled renewable DERs are explored.