Integrating renewable energy using a smart distribution system: Potential of self-regulating demand response

A self-regulating distribution system simulation platform is presented for a smart-grid with Distributed Energy Resource (DER) wind power injection in which load flow fluctuations are controlled via self-regulating air-source heat pump (HP) cycling. The grid power injection fluctuations are mitigated by bus-level HP control, while ensuring compliance to both consumer comfort constraints and distribution grid load flow requirements.The effects of applying a number of different bus-level HP control algorithms are evaluated. The results show that using building thermal mass in conjunction with simple control strategies can effectively accommodate large fluctuations associated with high penetration of wind energy. The number of HPs in each distribution phase significantly affects the load flow characteristics and the ability of the bus-level control to smooth the distribution grid regulator power.The bus-level control improves power and voltage ramping rates, reduces wind power injection fluctuations, and also reduces the energy reserve requirements.

► Bus-level DER control with sufficient HPs, load capacity and ramping rate, mitigates grid wind power load flow fluctuations.
► Correctly sized and located ancillary market generators lower the reserve requirements and costs of ensuring a stable grid.
► Bus-level DER control algorithms improve power and voltage ramping rates, reducing the need for energy and spinning reserve.
►  By modulating distribution feeder power fluctuations, DER controlled bus-level feeders work as a self-regulating community.
► DER control supports Virtual Power Plant design, providing system operators power dispatch and operation control options.