A distributed control framework for smart grid development: Energy/water system optimal operation and electric grid integration

In this work, we propose a conceptual distributed control framework for electrical grid integrated with distributed renewable energy generation systems in order to enable the development of the so-called “smart electrical grid”. First, we introduce the key elements and their interactions in the proposed control architecture and discuss the design of the distributed control systems which are able to coordinate their actions to account for optimization considerations on the system operation. Subsequently, we focus on a specific wind/solar energy generation system connected to a reverse osmosis water desalination system and the electrical grid and design two supervisory predictive controllers via model predictive control to operate the integrated system taking into account short-term and long-term optimal maintenance and operation considerations, respectively. Simulations are carried out to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

► Development of a distributed control framework for the integration of distributed energy generation systems and smart loads into the electric grid.
► Supervisory predictive control system for short-term and long-term coordination of a wind/solar energy generation system and a water desalination system.
► Extensive simulation studies of the closed-loop system to demonstrate implementation, and evaluate robustness and performance of the control method.