Energy management systems integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) to alleviate grid congestion by employing sophisticated control, optimization, and coordination strategies that enhance grid flexibility and reliability.
Integration Mechanisms
1. Aggregation and Coordination of DERs
Energy management systems, specifically Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), aggregate diverse and dispersed DERs such as solar panels, batteries, and flexible loads. This aggregation allows utilities to manage these resources both individually and collectively, optimizing their operation to support grid needs.
2. Advanced Control and Optimization Techniques
DERMS use advanced control algorithms like model-predictive control and learning-based controls to optimize DER dispatch in real time. These tools consider network conditions and forecasted demands to modulate energy flows and reduce congestion on the distribution network. For example, optimal power flow algorithms determine the best generation and load dispatch on feeders, while Volt-VAR control adjusts voltage-regulating devices to maintain voltage within limits and reduce losses, indirectly easing congestion.
3. Network-Aware Management
By integrating DER-aware distribution network management and automation, energy management systems enable dynamic response to grid conditions. This includes network reconfiguration to reroute power flows, reduce losses, and minimize outage durations. Such network flexibility helps alleviate localized congestion caused by DER variability or high demand.
4. Demand-Side Flexibility Utilization
DERMS leverage demand-side resources by shifting or reducing electricity consumption when the grid is congested. This flexibility provides an additional lever to balance supply and demand without overloading infrastructure.
Benefits in Alleviating Grid Congestion
- Increased grid flexibility and resilience: By managing DERs collectively and intelligently, energy management systems provide the grid operator tools to smooth out peaks and valleys in demand and supply.
- Reduced network losses and improved voltage quality: Optimal dispatch and Volt-VAR control reduce thermal loading and voltage deviations, lowering congestion risk.
- Enhanced reliability and reduced outages: Network reconfiguration and real-time DER control help prevent overloads and maintain stable grid operation despite DER intermittency.
In summary, energy management systems integrate DERs into the grid by aggregating and optimizing their operation through advanced control, network-aware management, and demand flexibility. This integration mitigates grid congestion by balancing supply and demand more efficiently and enhancing overall distribution system performance.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-energy-management-systems-integrate-distributed-energy-resources-to-alleviate-grid-congestion/
