Distributed energy resources

Abstract

An improved method for analyzing power systems; in particular, power systems that may incorporate distributed energy resources (DER), that provides a thorough determination of the potential for network performance improvement that DER could provide, independent of non-network benefits DER could provide. The method incorporates an Energynet dataset simulating the power system, integrating transmission and distribution elements together and capable of evaluating the impacts of additions of real energy sources and/or reactive energy sources anywhere in the network. Such energy source additions are evaluated for their impact on a broad set of performance measures. The specific DER projects that would realize that potential improvement in network performance are characterized as an Optimal DER Portfolio. Network performance improvement attributable to the Optimal DER Portfolio is quantified in engineering and financial terms.

1 . A method for analyzing an electric power transmission and distribution network for assessing impacts and benefits of distributed energy resources (DER) for the electric power transmission and distribution network, to provide indication of the extent to which the transmission-level resources and distribution-level resources impact on each other, and of the merits of remedying deficiencies near their network locations, the method comprising: 
 simulating the electric power transmission and distribution network with a mathematical model as an Energynet in which transmission voltage-level elements and distribution voltage-level elements are integrated within the mathematical model; and    incorporating models of distributed energy resources at a plurality of network locations and voltage levels within the simulated network for analyzing resultant effects.    
   
   
       2 . A method for assessing impacts and benefits of distributed energy resources (DER) for an electric power transmission and distribution network, the method comprising: 
 adding models for real energy sources, reactive energy sources, and combined real and reactive energy sources to modeled network locations in selected combinations; and    evaluating alternative combinations of the additions for their ability to improve selected characteristics of network stability, or voltage security, or reduction of real and reactive power losses, or deferral of conventional network modifications.    
   
   
       3 . A method for assessing the potential impacts and benefits of distributed energy resources (DER) for an electric power transmission and distribution network, comprising: 
 adding to a network model a set of models of real and reactive energy sources for resultant improvement in network performance, independent of other considerations;    characterizing the set of added energy sources as a performance portfolio of individual projects for distributed energy resources, including dispatchable demand reduction, capacitive elements, and power generation; and    evaluating the economic value of improvements in network performance derived from proposed projects based on their similarity to the projects in the performance portfolio.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 identifying the proposed projects that most closely resemble projects in the performance portfolio; and    selectively implementing the identified proposed projects for their beneficial economic or environmental impact and their beneficial performance improvement.