Edoardo De Din’s research while affiliated with RWTH Aachen University and other places

To support the transition to a more sustainable energy supply, interest in Multi-energy Systems (MESs) is increasing due to their ability to enhance overall system flexibility and reliability. Within this framework, control approaches play a key role, as they must address the challenges associated with the different dynamics of various energy domains and the balance between loads and the availability of energy resources. Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) allows for the safe testing of control applications for MESs but it is inevitably challenged by the complexity of those systems. This paper presents the CHIL set-up designed for MESs. The peculiarities of the setup are described, and its capabilities are evaluated considering a multi-timescale control architecture.

For the open access full paper version, please see: https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/record/995085

Modern distribution grids are transforming due to the increasing amount of load and generation based on DC technologies, whose interconnection is facilitated by the upcoming AC-DC distribution networks. Their fault management is challenged by new issues related to the power transferred among AC and DC sub-networks. In light of this, the present paper proposes a novel Service Restoration (SR) algorithm, specifically tailored for AC-DC distribution grids, that optimizes the re-energization by establishing priorities of disconnected bus groups and computing, as candidate solutions, hierarchical combinations of normally open and normally closed switches. To overcome the limitations of existing approaches, a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is proposed to combine and objectively prioritize different SR goals (i.e., the use of telecontrolled switches, the minimization of power losses, and the applicability of the proposed solutions in a defined time horizon), and ultimately make the grid operator benefit from the possibility to flexibly tune different operational objectives. The proposed algorithm allows to effectively discriminating competing solutions, i.e. whence and how to re-energize disconnected buses, and complies with the time requirements for field implementation. The results prove the crucial role of DC sub-networks, associated to the control of power injection from AC-DC converters, in enhancing the SR by improving its targets and increasing the number of re-energized loads. Ultimately, the effect of MCDA comparison parameters on the SR outcomes is quantitatively investigated via global sensitivity analysis, whose adoption is recommended for supporting the grid operator in the algorithm implementation.

Advanced control techniques for modern distribution grids are becoming fundamental for the reduction of grid reinforcements while maintaining network performances. In particular, as shown in literature, distributed algorithms for voltage control have gained much interests in comparison with the typical centralized formulation for its feasibility. Distributed model predictive control (MPC) is shown to optimally manage the Distributed Generators (DGs) over time and it can be implemented locally at the controllable sources. For this purpose, this paper adopts a distributed algorithm recently presented in the literature for solving a constraint-coupled optimization problem for model predictive voltage control. A detailed reformulation of the original MPC problem for the specific application is presented. Besides, this paper provides a calculation of the convergence limit for the value of the iteration step size of the algorithm, supported by numerical results. The proposed distributed solution of model predictive voltage control is compared with a centralized formulation via numerical simulation in terms of the percentage of error with the centralized solution and number of iteration for the convergence.

Advanced distribution management systems are increasingly required to operate today's distribution grids and to deal with the challenges brought by both renewable sources and new loads. In particular, voltage control strategies are essential to handle possible anomalies in the voltage profile of the grid. In the field implementation of voltage control algorithms, several uncertainty factors can potentially affect the operation of the control strategy and degrade its performance. This paper aims at investigating the impact brought by different sources of uncertainty on the control actions defined by a centralized voltage control algorithm. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify how the control output is affected by both different levels and types of input uncertainty. In particular, the performed analysis provides an insight on how uncertainties prevent the correct operation of the voltage control. To avoid this, safety margins may be used, which however lead to higher costs for the associated control actions. Tests performed on a sample low voltage grid show the implications arising due the presence of uncertainties and highlight the benefits achievable when improving the accuracy of the monitoring system.

The development of strategies for distribution network management is an essential element for increasing network performance and reducing the upgrade of physical assets. This paper analyzes a multi-timescale framework to control the voltage of distribution grids characterized by a high penetration of renewables. The multi-timescale solution is based on three levels that coordinate Distributed Generation (DG) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs), but differs in terms of the timescales and objectives of the control levels. Realistic load and photovoltaic generation profiles were created for cloudy and clean sky conditions to evaluate the performance features of the multi-timescale framework. The proposed solution was also compared with different frameworks featuring two of the three levels, to highlight the contribution of the combination of the three levels in achieving the best performance.

A steadily growing share of renewable energies with fluctuating and decentralized generation as well as rising peak loads require novel solutions to ensure the reliability of electricity supply. More specifically, grid stability is endangered by equally relevant line constraints and battery capacity limits. In this light, energy packet‐based dispatching with power signal dual modulation has recently been introduced as an innovative solution. However, this approach assumes a central synchronicity provision unit for energy packet (EP) dispatching. To overcome this assumption, the present article's main contribution is a design of an EP receiver which recovers the required synchronicity information directly from the received signal itself. Key implementation aspects are discussed in detail. By means of a direct current (DC) grid example, simulation results show the performance and applicability of the proposed novel receiver for packet‐based energy dispatching. Packet‐based energy dispatching has recently been introduced as an innovative solution to ensure the reliability of future electricity supply. However, the concepts presented so far assume a central synchronicity provision unit for energy packet (EP) dispatching. The present contribution focuses on a design of an EP receiver that recovers the required synchronicity information directly from the received signal itself.

A steadily growing share of renewable energies with uctuating and decentralized generation as well as rising peak loads require novel solutions to ensure the reliability of electricity supply. More speci cally, grid stability is endangered by equally relevant line constraints and battery capacity limits. In this light, energy packet-based dispatching with power signal dual modulation has recently been introduced as an innovative solution. However, this approach assumes a central synchronicity provision unit for energy packet dispatching. In order to overcome this assumption, the present paper's main contribution is a design of an energy packet receiver which recovers the required synchronicity information directly from the received signal itself. Key implementation aspects are discussed in detail. By means of a DC grid example, simulation results show the performance and applicability of the proposed novel receiver for packet-based energy dispatching.