The analysis of distributed resources on a load sharing reticulation network

Abstract

Traditional reticulation network designs are outdated, based on single value static yearly maximum demands, and do not consider the dynamic nature of load-side DR installations. The increasing presence of privately driven downstream renewable and storage system integration (supported by increasing energy costs, maturing of storage, PV, and inverter technology systems, and an unreliable external network supply) requires time-based analysis to advance beneficial, and mitigate detrimental, shared network parameter changes. Fundamental integration network impacts must be re evaluated for grid integration acceptability and a modernised design approach, dependent on the capacity, capability, implementation, load-to-generation balancing, and power management of symbiotic integrated load-side DR (DG and/or ES) systems. These initial performance factors were analysed by conducting time based impact studies. Key concepts and approaches to the integration of PV DG, BESSs, and the combined DR system were identified and modelled at increasing levels of power penetration and energy arbitrage within the main distinctive reticulation network load profile forms in a visualised time based impact analysis. By identifying individual DR operational parameters and limits, an optimal approach to DR utilisation and power control is defined. Variables include load profiles, load diversity, demands, load factors, PV DG and BESS parameters, system power control, voltage profiles, utilisation factors, reactive power requirements, and fault levels. The maximum levels of DR penetration were defined (creating an upper penetration limit) following the evaluation of DR network parameter impacts and forms the foundation of the power flow control algorithm governing PV DG and BESS operation for equipment synergy and the optimisation of integration advantages. The proposed power control enforces permanent load side maximum demand reductions by up to 32%, with additional energy arbitrage operation enabled during peak period demands. This is achieved by limiting bi-directional power flow internally and maximising the combined DR system capability, utilisation, and operational synergy. Intermittent PV DG is selected for generation support, while more controllable BESS operation is chosen for targeted demand reduction applications in a give-and-take interface across all seasonal changes. The time based analysis, integration methodology, DR penetration limits, and the developed power flow control algorithm provide an expectation baseline for future DR network integration studies, guidance for service agreement inclusions, and the modernisation of traditional network designs without the necessity of an external network smart grid system. This will encourage the integration of higher rated privately driven renewable and energy storage systems to enhance grid advancement for both external and load-side DR integrated networks.