Application of Microgrids in Addressing Distribution Network Net-Load Ramping

TL;DR

This paper explores how microgrids can be used to mitigate net load ramping issues caused by solar energy variability, offering a localized solution that reduces utility investment.

Contribution

It develops a min-max optimization for microgrid ramping capability and an optimal scheduling model to coordinate microgrid and grid net loads.

Findings

Microgrid scheduling effectively reduces net load ramping.

The proposed model improves grid stability during peak solar variability.

Numerical simulations confirm the model's effectiveness.

Abstract

In spite of all advantages of solar energy, its deployment will significantly change the typical electric load profile, thus necessitating a change in traditional distribution grid management practices. In particular, the net load ramping, created as a result of simultaneous solar generation drop and load increase at early evening hours, is one of the major operational issues that needs to be carefully addressed. In this paper, microgrids are utilized to offer a viable and localized solution to this challenge while removing the need for costly investments by the electric utility. In this regard, first the microgrid ramping capability is determined via a min-max optimization, and second, the microgrid optimal scheduling model is developed to coordinate the microgrid net load with the distribution grid net load for addressing the ramping issue. Numerical simulations on a test distribution feeder with one microgrid exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed model.