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Toward technically feasible and economically efficient integration of distributed energy resources

September 24, 2019
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Marija Ilic
…
Published in:
57th Annual Allerton Conf. on Communication, Control, and Computing, 24-27 September 2019.
Topic:
energy systems
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This paper formulates the efficient and feasible participation of distributed energy resources (DERs) in complex electricity services as a centralized nonlinear optimization problem first. This problem is then re-stated using the novel energy/power transformed state space. It is shown that the DER dynamics in closed-loop can be made linear in this new state space. The decision making by the DERs then becomes a distributed model predictive control problem and it forms the basis for deriving physically implementable convex market bids. A multi-layered interactive optimization for clearing the distributed bids by higher layer decision makers, such as market aggregators, is posed and shown to lead to near-optimal system-level performance at the slower market clearing rates. A proof-of-concept example is illustrated involving close to one hundred heterogeneous controllable DERs with real consumption data of a distribution feeder in Texas, contributing to automatic generation control (AGC).
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Summary

This paper formulates the efficient and feasible participation of distributed energy resources (DERs) in complex electricity services as a centralized nonlinear optimization problem first. This problem is then re-stated using the novel energy/power transformed state space. It is shown that the DER dynamics in closed-loop can be made linear in...

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Toward technically feasible and economically efficient integration of distributed energy resources

Introducing DyMonDS-as-a-Service (DyMaaS) for Internet of Things

September 24, 2019
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Conference Paper
Author:
Marija Ilic
…
Published in:
2019 IEEE High Performance Computing Conf., HPEC, 24-26 September 2019.
Topic:
modeling
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

With recent trends in computation and communication architecture, it is becoming possible to simulate complex networked dynamical systems by employing high-fidelity models. The inherent spatial and temporal complexity of these systems, however, still acts as a roadblock. It is thus desirable to have adaptive platform design facilitating zooming-in and out of the models to emulate time-evolution of processes at a desired spatial and temporal granularity. In this paper, we propose new computing and networking abstractions, that can embrace physical dynamics and computations in a unified manner, by taking advantage of the inherent structure. We further design multi-rate numerical methods that can be implemented by computing architectures to facilitate adaptive zooming-in and out of the models spanning multiple spatial and temporal layers. These methods are all embedded in a platform called Dynamic Monitoring and Decision Systems (DyMonDS). We introduce a new service model of cloud computing called DyMonDS-as-a-Service (DyMaas), for use by operators at various spatial granularities to efficiently emulate the interconnection of IoT devices. The usage of this platform is described in the context of an electric microgrid system emulation.
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Summary

With recent trends in computation and communication architecture, it is becoming possible to simulate complex networked dynamical systems by employing high-fidelity models. The inherent spatial and temporal complexity of these systems, however, still acts as a roadblock. It is thus desirable to have adaptive platform design facilitating zooming-in and out...

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Introducing DyMonDS-as-a-Service (DyMaaS) for Internet of Things

A Framework for Evaluating Electric Power Grid Improvements in Puerto Rico(2.58 MB)

July 1, 2019
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Project Report
Author:
Marija Ilic
…
Topic:
humanitarian assistance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report is motivated by the recognition that serving highly distributed electric power load in Puerto Rico during extreme events requires innovative methods. To do this, we must determine the type and locations of the most critical equipment, innovative methods, and software for operating the electrical system most effectively. It is well recognized that the existing system needs to be both hardened and further enhanced by deploying Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), solar photovoltaics (PV) in particular, and local reconfigurable microgrids to manage these newly deployed DERs. While deployment of microgrids and DERs has been advocated by many, there is little fundamental understanding how to operate Puerto Rico’s electrical system in a way that effectively uses DERs during both normal operations and grid failures. Utility companies’ traditional reliability requirements and operational risk management practices rely on excessive amounts of centralized reserve generation to anticipate failures, which increases the cost of normal operations and nullifies the potential of DERs to meet loads during grid failures. At present, no electric power utility has a ready-to-use framework that overcomes these limitations. This report seeks to fill this void.
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Summary

This report is motivated by the recognition that serving highly distributed electric power load in Puerto Rico during extreme events requires innovative methods. To do this, we must determine the type and locations of the most critical equipment, innovative methods, and software for operating the electrical system most effectively. It...

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A Framework for Evaluating Electric Power Grid Improvements in Puerto Rico

A framework for evaluating electric power grid improvements in Puerto Rico

July 1, 2019
  |
Project Report
Author:
Marija Ilic
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report 127164
Topic:
energy
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report is motivated by the recognition that serving highly distributed electric power load in Puerto Rico during extreme events requires innovative methods. To do this, we must determine the type and locations of the most critical equipment, innovative methods, and software for operating the electrical system most effectively. It is well recognized that the existing system needs to be both hardened and further enhanced by deploying Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), solar photovoltaics (PV) in particular, and local reconfigurable microgrids to manage these newly deployed DERs. While deployment of microgrids and DERs has been advocated by many, there is little fundamental understanding how to operate Puerto Rico's electrical system in a way that effectively uses DERs during both normal operations and grid failures. Utility companies' traditional reliability requirements and operational risk management practices rely on excessive amounts of centralized reserve generation to anticipate failures, which increases the cost of normal operations and nullifies the potential of DERs to meet loads during grid failures. At present, no electric power utility has a ready-to-use framework that overcomes these limitations. This report seeks to fill this void.
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Summary

This report is motivated by the recognition that serving highly distributed electric power load in Puerto Rico during extreme events requires innovative methods. To do this, we must determine the type and locations of the most critical equipment, innovative methods, and software for operating the electrical system most effectively. It...

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A framework for evaluating electric power grid improvements in Puerto Rico

Banshee distribution network benchmark and prototyping platform for hardware-in-the-loop integration of microgrid and device controllers

April 29, 2019
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Journal Article
Author:
Reynaldo O. Salcedo Ulerio
…
Published in:
J. Eng., Vol. 2019, No. 8, pp. 5365-73.
Topic:
microgrids
R&D area:

Summary

This article provides a unique benchmark to integrate and systematically evaluate advanced functionalities of microgrid and downstream device controllers. The article describes Banshee, a real-life power distribution network. It also details a real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) prototyping platform to test the responses of the controllers and verify decision-making algorithms. The benchmark aims to address power industry needs for a common basis to integrate and evaluate controllers for the overall microgrid, distributed energy resources (DERs), and protective devices. The test platform will accelerate microgrid deployment, enable standard compliance verification, and further develop and test controllers' functionalities. These contributions will facilitate safe and economical demonstrations of the state-of-the-possible while verifying minimal impact to existing electrical infrastructure. All aspects of the benchmark and platform development including models, configuration files, and documentation are publicly available via the electric power HIL controls collaborative (EPHCC).
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Summary

This article provides a unique benchmark to integrate and systematically evaluate advanced functionalities of microgrid and downstream device controllers. The article describes Banshee, a real-life power distribution network. It also details a real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) prototyping platform to test the responses of the controllers and verify decision-making algorithms. The...

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Banshee distribution network benchmark and prototyping platform for hardware-in-the-loop integration of microgrid and device controllers

Modular Aid and Power Pallet (MAPP): FY18 Energy Technical Investment Program

April 19, 2019
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Project Report
Author:
James A. Macomber
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TIP-93
Topic:
energy systems
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Electric power is a critical element of rapid response disaster relief efforts. Generators currently used have high failure rates and require fuel supply chains, and standardized renewable power systems are not yet available. In addition, none of these systems are designed for easy adaptation or repairs in the field to accommodate changing power needs as the relief effort progresses. To address this, the Modular Aid and Power Pallet, or MAPP, was designed to be a temporary, scalable, self-contained, user-focused power system. While some commercial systems are advertised for disaster relief systems, most are limited by mobility, custom battery assemblies (with challenges for air transport, ground mobility, or both), and the ability to power AC loads. While the first year system focused on an open architecture design with distributed DC units that could be combined to serve larger AC loads, the second year succeeded in minimizing or eliminating batteries while providing AC power for both the distributed and centralized systems. Therefore, individual modules can be distributed to power small AC loads such as laptop charging, or combined in series for larger loads such as water purification. Each module is powered by a small photovoltaic (PV) array connected to a prototype off-grid Enphase microinverter that can be used with or without energy storage. In addition, an output box for larger loads is included to provide a ground fault interrupt, under/over voltage relay, and the ability to change the system grounding to fit the needs of a more complicated system. The second year MAPP effort was divided into two phases: Phase 1 from October 2017 to March 20181 focused on refining requirements and vendor selection, and Phase 2 from March 2018 to October 20182 focusing on power electronics, working with the new Enphase microinverter, and ruggedizing the system. The end result is the Phase 2 effort has been designed, tested, and proven to form a robust AC power source that is flexible and configurable by the end user. Our testing has shown that operators can easily set up the system and adapt it to changing needs in the field.
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Summary

Electric power is a critical element of rapid response disaster relief efforts. Generators currently used have high failure rates and require fuel supply chains, and standardized renewable power systems are not yet available. In addition, none of these systems are designed for easy adaptation or repairs in the field to...

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Modular Aid and Power Pallet (MAPP): FY18 Energy Technical Investment Program

A parallel implementation of FANO using OpenMP and MPI

September 25, 2018
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Conference Paper
Author:
Plamen Krastev
…
Published in:
IEEE High Performance Extreme Computing Conf., HPEC, 25-27 September 2018.
Topic:
high performance computing
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

We present a parallel implementation of the Fast Accurate NURBS Optimization (FANO) program using OpenMP and MPI. The software is used for designing imaging freeform optical systems comprised of NURBS surfaces. An important step in the design process is the optimization of the shape and position of the optical surfaces within the optical system. FANO uses the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm for minimization of the merit function. The parallelization of the code is achieved without modifying readily available commercial or open source implementations of the LM algorithm. Instead, MPI instructions are being used to distribute the computation of the Jacobian over multiple nodes, each of which performs the computationally intensive task of raytracing. The results from the raytracing are collected on the master and used for calculating the values of the variable parameters for the next iteration. Speed increases of ~100x and more are possible when running on the cluster of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Super Computing Center (LLSC).
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Summary

We present a parallel implementation of the Fast Accurate NURBS Optimization (FANO) program using OpenMP and MPI. The software is used for designing imaging freeform optical systems comprised of NURBS surfaces. An important step in the design process is the optimization of the shape and position of the optical surfaces...

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A parallel implementation of FANO using OpenMP and MPI

Cloud computing in tactical environments

October 23, 2017
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Conference Paper
Author:
Warren W. Smith
…
Published in:
MILCOM 2017, 23-25 October 2017.
Topic:
energy systems
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Ground personnel at the tactical edge often lack data and analytics that would increase their effectiveness. To address this problem, this work investigates methods to deploy cloud computing capabilities in tactical environments. Our approach is to identify representative applications and to design a system that spans the software/hardware stack to support such applications while optimizing the use of scarce resources. This paper presents our high-level design and the results of initial experiments that indicate the validity of our approach.
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Summary

Ground personnel at the tactical edge often lack data and analytics that would increase their effectiveness. To address this problem, this work investigates methods to deploy cloud computing capabilities in tactical environments. Our approach is to identify representative applications and to design a system that spans the software/hardware stack to...

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Cloud computing in tactical environments

Lessons learned from hardware-in-the-loop testing of microgrid control systems

October 22, 2017
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Erik R. Limpaecher
…
Published in:
CIGRE 2017 Grid of the Future Symp., 22-25 Oct. 2017.
Topic:
energy systems
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

A key ingredient for the successful completion of any complex microgrid project is real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop (C-HIL) testing. C-HIL testing allows engineers to test the system and its controls before it is deployed in the field. C-HIL testing also allows for the simulation of test scenarios that are too risky or even impossible to test in the field. The results of C-HIL testing provide the necessary proof of concept and insight into any microgrid system limitations. This type of testing can also be used to create awareness among potential microgrid customers. This paper describes the modeling benefits, challenges, and lessons learned associated with C-HIL testing. The microgrid system used in this study has a 3 MW battery, 5 MW photovoltaic (PV) array, 4 MW diesel generator set (genset), and 3.5 MW combined heat and power generation system (CHP).
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Summary

A key ingredient for the successful completion of any complex microgrid project is real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop (C-HIL) testing. C-HIL testing allows engineers to test the system and its controls before it is deployed in the field. C-HIL testing also allows for the simulation of test scenarios that are too risky...

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Lessons learned from hardware-in-the-loop testing of microgrid control systems

3D printed conformal array antenna: simulations and measurements

October 18, 2016
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Alan J. Fenn
…
Published in:
6th Int. Symp. on Phased Array Systems and Technology, PAST 2016, 18-21 October 2016.
Topic:
antennas
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at L band are in good agreement.
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Summary

A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at...

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3D printed conformal array antenna: simulations and measurements
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