Future distribution networks (DN) are subject to rapid load changes and high penetration of variable distributed energy resources (DER). Due to this, the DN operators face several operational challenges, especially voltage violations. Optimal power flow (OPF)-based reactive power control (RPC) from the smart converter (SC) is one of the viable solutions to address such violations. However, sufficient communication and monitoring infrastructures are not available for OPF-based RPC. With the development of the latest information communication technology in SC, cyber-physical co-simulation (CPCS) has been extensively used for real-time monitoring and control. Moreover, deploying OPF-based RPC using CPCS considering the controller design of SC for a realistic DN is still a big challenge. Hence, this paper aims to mitigate voltage violations by using OPF-based RPC in a real-time CPCS framework with multiple SCs in a realistic DN. The OPF-based RPC is achieved by performing the CPCS framework developed in this study. The CIGRE medium-voltage DN is considered as a test system. Real-time optimization and signal processing are achieved by Python-based programs using a model-based toolchain of a real-time DN solver and simulator. Real-time simulation studies showed that the proposed method is capable of handling uncertain voltage violations in real time.

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With the rise of the integration of renewable energy sources, the operating characteristics of existing electric power distribution systems are evolving and changing. As a result, the digitalisation of the distribution network is gaining attention for effective real-time monitoring and control. Cyber-Physical cosimulation is one of the options for implementing and testing novel concepts and ideas before actual implementation on the distribution network. Therefore, this paper presents some experiences on the cyber-physical testbed in the distribution network. Moreover, the methodology, possible challenges and mitigation techniques are also presented for a cyber-physical cosimulation testbed of optimal reactive power control in smarter distribution network (SDN). The cyber-physical co-simulation testbed is analysed using a Typhoon HIL 604 and OpenDSS on a CIGRE MV distribution.@en

The increasing integration of distributed energy resources such as photovoltaic (PV) systems into distribution networks introduces intermittent and variable power, leading to high voltage fluctuations. High PV integration can also result in increased terminal voltage of the network during periods of high PV generation and low load consumption. These problems can be solved by optimal utilization of the reactive power capability of a smart inverter. However, solving the optimization problem using a detailed mathematical model of the distribution network may be time-consuming. Due to this, the optimization process may not be fast enough to incorporate this rapid fluctuation when implemented in real-time optimization. To address these issues, this paper proposes a co-simulation-based optimization approach for optimal reactive power control in smart inverters. By utilizing co-simulation, the need for detailed mathematical modeling of the power flow equation of the distribution network in the optimization model is eliminated, thereby enabling faster optimization. This paper compares three optimization algorithms (improved harmony search, simplicial homology global optimization, and differential evolution) using models developed in OpenDSS and DigSilent PowerFactory. The results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed co-simulation-based optimization for obtaining optimal setpoints for reactive power control, minimizing total power loss in distribution networks with high PV integration. This research paper contributes to efficient and practical solutions for modeling optimal control problems in future distribution networks.

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Distribution grids are subject to a drastic evolution in their operating conditions due to the high integration of renewable energy resources (RES) and their ability to regulate voltage. To cope with this issue, modern solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are equipped with smart inverters enabled with communication capabilities that allow the coordinated operation to offer services such as controlling voltage by appropriately setting the reactive power production. This paper proposes a co-simulation framework for smart converter reactive power control in active distribution grids. The proposed framework is used to appropriately control smart inverters installed in PV systems to inject/withdrew reactive power ensuring voltage control at the time that minimises active power losses of the active distribution grid (ADG). The proposed approach has been tested in a modified version of the Kumamoto distribution system. The suitability of the proposed framework has been demonstrated.@en

Reaching net-zero emissions within the proposed time requires an enormous effort from the energy sector, and it is even more challenging for the electricity infrastructure. This article offers a modified version of the IEEE 39-bus system specifically created to allow zonal day-ahead market (ZDAM) simulations. The system representation is based on the original version of the IEEE 39-bus system but considers the integration of renewable energy resources (RES) in the generation mix: solar and wind. Hourly time series are used to define load profiles and wind and solar power generation. The zonal dayahead energy market information has been created by solving the optimisation problem. Numerical results of the proposed power test system are provided for the yearly ZDAM and steady-state performance, in N and N-l conditions, respectively, through Pyomo and DIgSILENT PowerFactory features.@en

The increasing penetration of renewable energy resources (RES) in transmission system operating conditions require a suitable test system and a dataset to cope with current issues. RES penetration remarkably affects day-ahead market outcomes regarding zonal prices and dispatched generation levels. For this purpose, zonal day-ahead energy market models in the presence of RES in the generation mix need to be implemented. In this paper, the IEEE 39-bus system has been suitably modified to include solar and wind generation in the traditional generation mix. Hourly time series are used to define load profiles and wind and solar power generation. The zonal day-ahead market (ZDAM) resolution is simulated by solving a Linear Programming optimization problem employing Pyomo. Furthermore, steady-state nodal analysis is carried out using DIgSILENT PowerFactory, performed over a year horizon.@en

The operation schedule of the power generation units in electrical power systems is determined by the optimisation problem known as unit commitment (UC), aiming at minimising the total cost considering the generation constraints. To obtain a feasible solution from the network perspective, the security-constrained UC (SCUC) problem has been defined to embed the network constraints in the optimisation problem as well. Also, the higher penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) has increased the difficulty of UC problem, mainly due to the uncertainty and the high variability of RES. This paper proposed a SCUC with economic dispatch (SCUCED) optimisation developed in two stages. The first one is the solution of a merit-order based zonal day-ahead market (ZDAM) optimisation to define a preliminary generation schedule. In the second stage, the SCUCED is solved based on AC load flow routines and sensitivity factors to embed the full network representation. The approach is applied to a modified version of the IEEE 39-bus test system.

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With the rise of integration of renewable energy sources, existing electric power distribution networks are facing a variety of technical obstacles, one of which is modelling of the distribution networks for real-Time network monitoring and control. This research designs and analyzes a novel cyber-physical test system for real-Time reactive power compensation from smart inverters in the active distribution network using cyber-physical co-simulation between the Typhoon HIL and OpenDSS. The testbed is a two-layer system, with a physical and cybernetic layer. The physical layer is represented by Typhoon HIL 604 and the cybernetic layer is represented by software from Typhoon HIL, OpenDSS, and Python. The cybernetic layer is used to model, design, and control the reactive power from the smart inverter in real-Time. The distribution network considered is a CIGRE MV distribution network. Real-Time simulation results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed test platform in real-Time reactive power control.

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The dispatch schedule of the electrical power plant units is the result of the solution to the unit commitment optimisation problem, and it minimises the cost of production considering pre-defined technical limits. The security-constrained unit commitment problem has been defined as including the network constraints in the previously mentioned optimisation problem to obtain a feasible power system solution. The traditional security-constrained unit commitment methods are based on the DC-power flow model, where the network losses and voltage magnitudes are neglected in the problem formulation. This paper proposed a bi-stage security-constrained unit commitment with an economic dispatch (SCUCED) optimisation problem. A merit-order-based zonal day-ahead market problem is solved in the first stage to define a preliminary generation commitment. In the second stage, the SCUCED is solved based on the AC-power flow model and sensitivity factors to embed the full network representation in the optimisation problem. In this paper, the proposed method is illustrated by an application to a modified version of the IEEE 39-bus test system.@en

Existing electric power distribution systems are evolving and changing as a result of the high renewable energy sources integration. Hence, future smart distribution networks will involve various technical challenges; one of them is real-time monitoring and controlling the network to operate it effectively and efficiently. This paper develops and analyzes a cyber-physical co-simulation testbed for real-time reactive power control in the smart distribution network. The testbed is a two-layer system, with Typhoon HIL 604 representing the physical layer and the other layer as a cybernetic layer. The cybernetic layer is used to model a test system and control reactive power from smart inverters in real-time. The implementation of real-time reactive power control of smart inverters on a CIGRE MV distribution network is shown in this study. The proposed testbed's usefulness in real-time reactive power control is demonstrated through simulation results.@en