First EASY-RES Progress Report 2019

Much has happened since the EASY-RES project has started and we are proud to present the first of our regular biyearly progress reports in 2019, where we provide detailed insights into the progress of each of our work packages (WPs). Stay tuned for future updates.

WP1 – Quasi Steady-State Operation

We reviewed and compared the reactive power capability (RPC) of conventional synchronous generators and of converter-interfaced DRES. The review included the suggestions imposed by newly developed standards for the RPC of DRES. The limitations in RPC, imposed by the currently employed control methods or by the involved hardware, were identified. EASY-RES defined the RPC of DRES, which was required due to the various DRES type in the future distribution grids where high DRES penetration is expected.

We developed a methodology for designing the output power filter of the DRES converter in a parametric way, so that the expected RPC is achieved while preserving the stability of the DRES when delivering additional ancillary services, such as inertial and primary frequency response and harmonic mitigation. We also developed innovative methods for regulating the voltage in medium voltage distribution grids based on the RPC of DRES while, at the same time, the losses were minimized within the distribution grid. The results were published in a highly ranked journal (Electric Power Systems Research, Elsevier). In addition, we developed a method for the estimation of additional converter losses when the DRES exchanges reactive power. This method will be further used for the development of the cost-function of a DRES for the ancillary service of voltage regulation. This method was also published in a highly ranked journal (IEEE Transactions on Energy Convertion).

WP1 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP1 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)

WP2 – Development of DRES/BESS Converter Functionalities for Dynamic and Transient Response

The deliverable D2.2 is about modelling and control of distributed generators and storage. It was finished at the end of February. This document provides a base for the development of functionalities like voltage regulation, inertial and frequency response, generated power smoothing, harmonic mitigation, and fault support. Furthermore, an article named “Voltage Control of Four-Leg VSC for Power System Applications with Nonlinear and Unbalanced Loads” was submitted to the IEEE Transaction on Energy Conversion. Currently, the WP2 team is working on task T2.3, which is about functionalities development.

WP2 Leader: Universidad de Sevilla
WP2 Contact: Juan Mauricio (jmmauricio@us.es)

WP3 – Protection Coordination

After reviewing various fault-detection methods by DRES, we focused on two of them. We chose the impedance sensing method and the voltage sensing method due to their simplicity in implementation and accuracy in detecting the fault type and its distance from the DRES. We also developed methods of controllable injection of currents by DRES under various types of faults within the distribution system, taking into account the position of DRES and fault (low or medium voltage level) as well as the type of the interconnection transformer. With the controllable injection of currents, we can enhance the selectivity of the existing protection means within the distribution system, so that it can accommodate large amounts of DRES while avoiding additional investments.

WP3 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP3 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)

WP4 – ICT infrastructure for ICAs & µGs

We submitted the first deliverable of work package 4 at the beginning of January. With this deliverable, we also presented the EASY-RES API, which connects all heterogeneous components interacting in the EASY-RES environment. The development of the API for the ICT infrastructure is now further promoted: based on data provided by a wind turbine in Lancaster, the correlations between the communication layer and the corresponding are being analysed. The development of the dashboard is an ongoing process for an evaluation of the needs of different users. It will also provide a platform for controlling, monitoring and communication. The next step will be the integration into the ICT infrastructure.

WP4 Leader: Universität Passau
WP4 Contact: Hermann de Meer (hermann.deMeer@uni-passau.de)

WP5 – Cost analysis, new market opportunities & development of AS-based business models

The deliverable D5.2 is about presenting the portfolio of ancillary services (AS). It was finished at the end of February, taking into account the previous work collected in deliverable D5.1. D5.2 includes a review of existing business models and experiences on the remuneration of AS provided by distributed renewable energy sources (DRES). It also examines current solutions used by utilities to mitigate the problems associated with DRES, including possible ways to estimate the associated cost. Currently, WP5 focuses on task T5.3: development of AS cost-functions.

WP5 Leader: Universidad de Sevilla
WP5 Contact: Jose Luis Martinez Ramos (jl.martinez.ramos@gmail.com)

WP6 – Validation & Evaluation

The first objective in the recently started WP6 is the development of a converter prototype, which will be used to evaluate ancillary EASY-RES controllers. The blueprints have already been sketched and the converter prototype is currently under assembly.

WP6 Leader: TU Delft
WP6 Contact: Milos Cvetkovic (m.cvetkovic@tudelft.nl)

WP7 – Dissemination & Exploitation

Thus far, we created diverse online resources (i.e. communication kit, website, social media channels) and offline resources (i.e. roll-up, flyer, posters). Furthermore, ongoing important projects are a Happy Birthday, EASY-RES!-video, a website update, the development of a content- and social media strategy and trade fair participation.

EASY-RES will be represented at the Intersolar Europe in May 2019 and the European Utility Week as well as the Smart City Barcelona in November 2019. In order to interest more people in EASY-RES, and to build a practitioner board, a workshop format will be developed and implemented.

WP7 Leader: Zentrum Digitalisierung.Bayern
WP7 Contact: Maximilian Irlbeck (info@easyres-project.eu)

WP8 – Project Management & Coordination

EASY-RES has taken the lead in a cluster of ten EU funded projects. The cluster will focus on “Ancillary Services at Distribution Level”, including the following topics: the establishment of common terminology, common workshops, discussion of business or use cases, exchange of deliverables, contribution to distribution grid congestion management.. We will keep you updated on this very interesting topic!

Furthermore, the first remote meeting with the project Advisory Board was held on 14th of January 2019. More details can be found on the project website.

WP8 Leader: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
WP8 Contact: Charis Demoulias (chdimoul@auth.gr)

Picture: © visivasnc – stock.adobe.com