Active Management of Distribution Systems with High Penetration of Distributed Energy Resources

Abstract

© 2019 IEEE. Operational challenges introduced by integration of high penetration of renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) are well known. These challenges range from technical constraint violations, such as: overloads on feeders, over- or under- voltages in network nodes, and reverse power flows, to inaccurate operational planning due to uncertain production of renewable resources. However, recent advances in specialized software packages for active management of DERs could turn these challenges into the operational and monetary benefits for both distribution utilities, as well as end customers. Hence, if managed and operated in an optimal way, DERs could be highly-valuable resources for increasing efficiency of the overall management of distribution grids, as well as for providing much-needed flexibility in the operation of today's active systems. Utility Distribution Energy Resource Management Systems (Utility DERMS) aims to offer all these capabilities integrated in a single software package. This paper explores capabilities of state-of-the-art DERMS software for helping utilities to pave the way towards stable, optimal, and secure emerging distribution systems with high penetration of volatile DERs.