Suppose voltage, current and frequency data can be accessed from different points in the power distribution networks. What are the various problems that DSOs face and can be solved with that data? I would specially like to receive inputs from the persepective of European grids.
Utkarsh Singh : There are plenty of challenges, but in my view, with renewable energy increasing penetration in the DSO territory, these will be the most difficult to deal with: (1) the ability to absorb the reverse power flow from the prosumer; (2) ability to install and maintain proper protection circuitry; (3) designing and enforcing regulations for the local power market (if any);
Design internet based communication and control to coordinate between the different nodes of distribution networks.
i think , in the Iraqi distribution grid, it faces challenges of sharply voltage deviation, power losses and poorly renewable energy as DG . renewable energy like PV faces problems of high temperatures (above 50 c) and the other inappropriate environment conditions.
Waleed Fadel : Thank you for your answer.
Harmonics have always been there. Ofcourse, the presence of harmonics grows with the increase in renewable power. But as per my understanding, research is already underway to inherently minimize the harmonic content through better converter design, apart from using filters. I think, it is the default duty of DSOs to ensure compliance with PQ standards. So, the technology and equipments they choose would probably take care of the harmonic limits. I do not perceive harmonic as a major challenge for DSOs. What I meant to ask was, what are the challenges, which are hard to address even with the available technology and could be used for a technical research.
Sheikh Suhail Mohammad : By nodes do you mean, just the consumption points/ feeders? I think, more of a centralized communication network is required to asses the load demand and manage the generation, storage, and dispatch.
Ahmed H. Mashal: Yes, that is something unavoidable. The efficiency of PV panels declines after an upper limit, which would definitely lead to losses and poor voltage profile. The required research would be more 'materials' oriented.
Srivats Shukla : Points 1 and 2 are really interesting. Can you please suggest some research articles dealing with these issues, in context of smart grids or renewable energy?
Maintaing voltage profile along line is another problem. If Renewable Power generation is higher than local demand feeder voltage is found increasing.
Yes, this issue is generally addressed by the optimal DG allocation in distribution networks. What happens if the voltage profile is more than 1 pu?
One of the most important challenge is the availability of the DPMU (Distribution phasor measurement unit) in the smart grid environment.
This is a very interesting question. From my experience with German DSO's, a topic that always comes up is related to data acquisition (metering and monitoring) at the LV level. This as we understand is the basis for several more challenges such as accurate model validation for LV distribution and micro-grid operation. The norm is that distribution grid planning does not involve detailed analysis in most cases and usually it is only based on some worst case scenarios. This leads to often a very oversized network. Lack of data also means, we are not able to accurately predict certain behaviors of the LV network that may arise in the future as a result of growing DER expansion. This is one of the biggest challenges to fast-forward energy transition at urban scale.
The intermittent nature of renewable energy, associated power quality issues installation of suitable controllers are some of the problems
Dear Farshad, that was an interesting addition to the list of challenges. Thank you for your answer. But the problem that you mentioned, don't you think, it is a general problem related to communication systems and not specifically smart grids?
In fact, the challenges vary depending on the structure of a network. for example, in networks where there are renewable producers, uncertainties are a challenging factor or in some networks where voltage compensation is not performed, the voltage drop can be a challenge (It should be noted that in different standards, voltage drop and overvoltage have different limitations.). In other examples, island networks have quite different challenges; Since these networks are not powered by the upstream network, the risk of unsupported load and system stability issues is more evident.
To the point, A standard & Reliable Distribution network/Substation design(Electrical , Mechanical , Communication and Civil) to address the reliability and efficiency of the sensors and actuators used as a part of smart grid development. Only a standard design can address the the operational challenges especially operational and communication challenges.
The cyber-physical interactions, security, and reliability of smart power systems.
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