Guido Cavraro

Guido Cavraro
National Renewable Energy Laboratory | NREL

Phd

About

66
Publications
6,295
Reads
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1,574
Citations
Additional affiliations
August 2018 - present
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Position
  • Researcher
October 2016 - March 2018
Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
Position
  • PostDoc Position
February 2015 - January 2017
University of Padova
Position
  • PostDoc Position

Publications

Publications (66)
Article
We investigate the stability and robustness properties of a power transmission system under persistent deceiving attacks on inverter-interfaced energy resources. The attacks can corrupt the damping coefficients in the inverters controllers and measurements of the frequency at the points of coupling. Leveraging tools from hybrid dynamical systems th...
Article
This paper proposes a feedback control perspective for Human-Earth Systems (HESs) which essentially are complex systems that capture the interactions between humans and nature. Recent attention in HES research has been directed towards devising strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, aimed at achieving environmental and societal ob...
Article
Energy prices and net power injection limitations regulate the operations in distribution grids and typically ensure that operational constraints are met. Nevertheless, unexpected or prolonged abnormal events could undermine the grids functioning. During contingencies, customers could contribute effectively to sustaining the network by providing se...
Article
We propose an operating envelopes (OEs) aware energy community market mechanism that dynamically charges/rewards its members based on two-part pricing. The OEs are imposed exogenously by a regulated distribution system operator (DSO) on the energy community's revenue meter and is subject to a generalized net energy metering (NEM) tariff design. By...
Preprint
Full-text available
We consider the problem of learning local Volt/Var controllers in distribution grids (DGs). Our approach starts from learning separable surrogates that take both local voltages and reactive powers as arguments and predict the reactive power setpoints that approximate optimal power flow (OPF) solutions. We propose an incremental control algorithm an...
Article
This paper develops a data-driven framework to synthesize local Volt/Var control strategies for distributed energy resources (DERs) in power distribution grids (DGs). Aiming to improve DG operational efficiency, as quantified by a generic optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problem, we propose a two-stage approach. The first stage involves learnin...
Article
Unveiling feeder topologies from data is of paramount importance to advance situational awareness and proper utilization of smart resources in power distribution grids. This tutorial summarizes, contrasts, and establishes useful links between recent works on topology identification and detection schemes that have been proposed for power distributio...
Article
We consider the problem of learning local Volt/Var controllers in distribution grids (DGs). Our approach starts from learning separable surrogates that take both local voltages and reactive powers as arguments and predict the reactive power setpoints that approximate optimal power flow (OPF) solutions. We propose an incremental control algorithm an...
Preprint
Full-text available
This paper develops a data-driven framework to synthesize local Volt/Var control strategies for distributed energy resources (DERs) in power distribution networks (DNs). Aiming to improve DN operational efficiency, as quantified by a generic optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problem, we propose a two-stage approach. The first stage involves learni...
Article
State estimation is a fundamental task in power systems. Although distribution systems are increasingly equipped with sensing devices and smart meters, measurements are typically reported at different rates and asynchronously; these aspects pose severe strains on workhorse state estimation algorithms, which are designed to process batches of data c...
Preprint
Full-text available
This paper considers the problem of voltage regulation in distribution networks. The primary motivation is to keep voltages within preassigned operating limits by commanding the reactive power output of distributed energy resources (DERs) deployed in the grid. We develop a framework for developing local Volt/Var control that comprises two main step...
Preprint
Unveiling feeder topologies from data is of paramount importance to advance situational awareness and proper utilization of smart resources in power distribution grids. This tutorial summarizes, contrasts, and establishes useful links between recent works on topology identification and detection schemes that have been proposed for power distributio...
Article
In this paper, we propose a feedback control approach for solving optimal power flow (OPF) problems in power distribution networks (DNs) based on a projected gradient scheme, where the cost is given by the sum of functions of local power injections. This approach does not require detailed knowledge of the grid model and enables real-time tracking o...
Article
In this paper, we study the monitoring and control of long-term voltage stability considering load tap changer (LTC) dynamics. We show that under generic conditions, the LTC dynamics admit a unique stable equilibrium. For the stable equilibrium, we characterize an explicit inner approximation of its largest region of attraction (ROA). Compared to e...
Article
This paper proposes decentralized resource-aware coordination schemes for solving network optimization problems defined by objective functions that combine locally evaluable costs with network-wide coupling components. These methods are well suited for a group of supervised agents trying to solve an optimization problem under mild coordination requ...
Article
The paper investigates the problem of estimating the state of a time-varying system with a linear measurement model; in particular, the paper considers the case where the number of measurements available can be smaller than the number of states. In lieu of a batch linear least-squares (LS) approach well-suited for static networks, where a sufficien...
Preprint
Full-text available
This paper proposes decentralized resource-aware coordination schemes for solving network optimization problems defined by objective functions which combine locally evaluable costs with network-wide coupling components. These methods are well suited for a group of supervised agents trying to solve an optimization problem under mild coordination req...
Preprint
Full-text available
Distributed control agents have been advocated as an effective means for improving the resiliency of our physical infrastructures under unexpected events. Purely local control has been shown to be insufficient, centralized optimal resource allocation approaches can be slow. In this context, we put forth a hybrid low-communication saturation-driven...
Chapter
Experts in data analytics and power engineering present techniques addressing the needs of modern power systems, covering theory and applications related to power system reliability, efficiency, and security. With topics spanning large-scale and distributed optimization, statistical learning, big data analytics, graph theory, and game theory, this...
Preprint
In this paper, we study the monitoring and control of long-term voltage stability considering load tap-changer (LTC) dynamics. We show that under generic conditions, the LTC dynamics always admit a unique stable equilibrium. For the stable equilibrium, we characterize an explicit inner approximation of its region of attraction (ROA). Compared to ex...
Preprint
Full-text available
Deep learning for distribution grid optimization can be advocated as a promising solution for near-optimal yet timely inverter dispatch. The principle is to train a deep neural network (DNN) to predict the solutions of an optimal power flow (OPF), thus shifting the computational effort from real-time to offline. Nonetheless, before training this DN...
Preprint
The paper investigates the problem of estimating the state of a network from heterogeneous sensors with different sampling and reporting rates. In lieu of a batch linear least-squares (LS) approach, well-suited for static networks, where a sufficient number of measurements could be collected to obtain a full-rank design matrix, the paper proposes a...
Article
Recovering the distribution grid topology is essential to perform several distribution system operator functions. Many algorithms that address the topology recovery problem have already been proposed in the literature. Most are based on a priori information regarding which buses are fed by which substation; however, this information might not be av...
Preprint
Full-text available
Although knowing the feeder topology and line impedances is a prerequisite for solving any grid optimization task, utilities oftentimes have limited or outdated information on their electric network assets. Given the rampant integration of smart inverters, we have previously advocated perturbing their power injections to unveil the underlying grid...
Article
We address the problem of multi-agent partition-based convex optimization which arises, for example, in robot localization problems and in regional state estimation in smart grids. More specifically, the global cost function is the sum of locally coupled cost functions that depend only on each agent variables and their neighbors’ variables. Inspire...
Article
Full-text available
This paper proposes a technique to control distributed energy resources in low-voltage microgrids aiming at (i) allowing power flow control at the point of connection with the upstream grid, (ii) keeping voltage profiles within the operational limits. The first feature is crucial in smart low-voltage power systems. In fact, it enables both demand-r...
Article
Recovering the distribution grid topology in real time is essential to perform several distribution system operator (DSO) functions. DSOs often do not have any direct monitoring of switch statuses to track reconfiguration. At the same time, installing real-time meters at a large number of buses is challenging due to the cost of endowing every meter...
Article
We consider the problem of regulating the voltage profile of a power distribution grid by controlling the reactive power injection of distributed microgenerators. We define a very general class of purely local feedback controllers in which reactive power injection is adjusted based on the local voltage measurements. This class includes most of the...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Although knowing the feeder topology and line impedances is a prerequisite for solving any grid optimization task, utilities oftentimes have limited or outdated information on their electric network assets. Given the rampant integration of smart inverters, we have previously advocated perturbing their power injections to unveil the underlying grid...
Article
To perform any meaningful optimization task, power distribution operators need to know the topology and line impedances of their electric networks. Nevertheless, distribution grids currently lack a comprehensive metering infrastructure. Although smart inverters are widely used for control purposes, they have been recently advocated as the means for...
Article
Knowing the connectivity and line parameters of the underlying electric distribution network is a prerequisite for solving any grid optimization task. Although distribution grids lack observability and comprehensive metering, inverters with advanced cyber capabilities currently interface solar panels and energy storage devices to the grid. Smart in...
Article
Full-text available
This paper proposes a novel method for topology detection in distribution networks called the Time-Series Signature Verification Method for Topology Detection (TSV-Top). The TSV-Top analyzes data from phasor measurement units (PMU or μPMU) installed on power distribution feeders. The TSVTop relies on the fact that measurement data time series from...
Article
We address the problem of distributed convex unconstrained optimization over networks characterized by asynchronous and possibly lossy communications. We analyze the case where the global cost function is the sum of locally coupled local strictly convex cost functions. As discussed in detail in a motivating example, this class of optimization objec...
Article
In this paper we consider a voltage control problem in power distribution grids. The specific goal is that of keeping the voltages within pre-assigned operating limits by commanding the reactive power output of the micro-generators connected to the grid. We propose three strategies. The first two strategies are purely local, meaning that each micro...
Article
Distribution grids constitute complex networks of lines often times reconfigured to minimize losses, balance loads, alleviate faults, or for maintenance purposes. Topology monitoring becomes a critical task for optimal grid scheduling. While synchrophasor installations are limited in low-voltage grids, utilities have an abundance of smart meter dat...
Conference Paper
We consider the problem of exploiting the micro-generators connected to the power distribution grid to provide distributed reactive power compensation for voltage support. We review some of the state-of-the-art control strategies, compare and analyze their performance. Furthermore, we propose a novel control strategy that, exploiting communications...
Conference Paper
We address the problem distributed quadratic programming under lossy communications where the global cost function is the sum of coupled local cost functions, typical in localization problems and partition-based state estimation. We propose a novel solution based on a generalized gradient descent strategy, namely a Block-Jacobi descent algorithm, w...
Article
Full-text available
This paper proposes a novel approach for detecting the topology of distribution networks based on the analysis of time series measurements. The time-based analysis approach draws on data from high-precision phasor measurement units (PMUs or synchrophasors) for distribution systems. A key fact is that time-series data taken from a dynamic system sho...
Article
This paper proposes a data-driven approach to detect the switching actions and topology transitions in distribution networks. It is based on the real time analysis of time-series voltages measurements. The analysis approach draws on data from high-precision phasor measurement units ($\mu$PMUs or synchrophasors) for distribution networks. The key fa...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
This paper proposes a novel approach to detectingthe topology of distribution networks based on the analysisof time series measurements. The analysis approach draws ondata from high-precision phasor measurement units (PMUs orsynchrophasors) for distribution systems. A key fact is that time-series data taken from a dynamic system show specific patter...
Article
Full-text available
We consider the problem of minimizing the power generation cost by exploiting the distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) located in the power distribution network. The proposed strategy requires that the intelligent agents, located at the microgenerator buses, measure their voltage and then adjust the amount of injected power, according to a f...
Article
Network topology in distribution networks is often unknown, because most switches are not equipped with measurement devices and communication links. However, knowledge about the actual topology is critical for safe and reliable grid operation. This paper proposes a voting-based topology detection method based on micro-synchrophasor measurements. Th...
Conference Paper
We consider the problem of exploiting the microgenerators connected to the power distribution network to provide distributed reactive power compensation for power losses minimization and voltage support. The proposed strategy relies on the fact that all the intelligent agents, located at the microgenerator buses, can measure their voltage, communic...
Conference Paper
Smart grids are a novel paradigm for energy distribution, where instead of the traditional directed flow from a producer to the consumers, several micro-generators are spread throughout the network. We focus on the problem of coordinating the injection of active power into the grid by the micro-generators. Each of them aims at injecting the maximum...
Article
Full-text available
We consider the problem of exploiting the microgenerators dispersed in the power distribution network in order to provide distributed reactive power compensation for power losses minimization and voltage regulation. In the proposed strategy, microgenerators are smart agents that can measure their phasorial voltage, share these data with the other a...
Article
Full-text available
We consider the problem of exploiting the microgenerators dispersed in the power distribution network in order to provide distributed reactive power compensation for power losses minimization and voltage support. The proposed strategy requires that all the intelligent agents, located at the microgenerator buses, measure their voltage and share thes...
Conference Paper
We consider the problem of exploiting the microgenerators dispersed in the power distribution network in order to provide distributed reactive power compensation for power losses minimization. The proposed strategy requires that all the intelligent agents, located at the microgenerator buses, measure their voltage and share these data with the othe...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
We consider the problem of exploiting the microgenerators connected to the low voltage or medium voltage grid in order to provide distributed reactive power compensation in the power distribution network, solving the optimal reactive power flow problem for the minimization of power distribution losses subject to voltage constraints. The proposed st...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
We consider the problem of dynamic reactive power compensation in power distribution networks populated by a large number of microgeneration devices. We model the power losses minimization problem in the case of stochastic, time-varying reactive power demands. For this control problem, we propose a randomized iterative optimization algorithm, and w...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
We consider the scenario of a low voltage microgrid populated by a number of distributed microgenerators. We focus on the problem of obtaining a dynamic model that describes the input-output relation between complex power commands sent to the microgenerator inverters and the voltage measurements across the network. Such a model is intended as a nec...

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