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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
For network-safe coordination of distributed energy resources (DERs), many approaches impose some form of constraint set to guarantee the safe operation of a distribution network. In this talk, I will present a comparative analysis of two distinct approaches that leverage a constraint set for network-safe coordination: nodal dynamic operating envelopes versus network-wide constraints on the control input of a DER aggregator. We investigate their respective strengths and limitations by considering information and communication requirements and the resulting aggregate flexibility from the DERs. The availability of potentially private information to the aggregator or to the distribution system operator determines which of the approaches is feasible. The results of our case studies suggest that if the exchange of information is not a concern and the goal is to maximize the flexibility of the DER power consumptions, a nodal constraint approach should be used. However, if fairness is a concern, the network-wide approach constraining an aggregator's control input provides the best balance of fairness and flexibility. Finally, we discuss the computational challenges associated with the use of operating envelopes.
Bio: Johanna Mathieu is an associate professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Institute for Energy Solutions at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Her research focuses on ways to reduce the environmental impact, cost, and inefficiency of electric power systems via new operational and control strategies. She is particularly interested in developing new methods to actively engage distributed energy resources such as energy storage, flexible electric loads, and renewables in power system operation. This is especially important in power systems with high penetrations of intermittent renewable energy resources such as wind and solar. She also uses engineering methods to inform energy policy. Professor Mathieu has PhD and master's degrees from the University of California - Berkeley and a bachelor's degree from MIT. She was a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. She is the recipient of an NSF CAREER Award, an R&D 100 Award, a DOE C3E Award, and an IEEE PES Wanda Reder Pioneer in Power Award.
Host: Wenting Li