Two-Level Decentralized-Centralized Control of Distributed Energy Resources in Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

TL;DR

This paper introduces a two-level hybrid decentralized-centralized control algorithm for grid-interactive efficient buildings, enhancing scalability, efficiency, and communication in managing distributed energy resources.

Contribution

It presents a novel HDC algorithm that combines centralized building control with decentralized network coordination for improved DER management.

Findings

The HDC algorithm scales well with many buildings and devices.

Simulations demonstrate improved efficiency and communication.

The approach effectively manages DERs in campus building scenarios.

Abstract

The flexible, efficient, and reliable operation of grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) is increasingly impacted by the growing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). Besides, the optimization and control of DERs, buildings, and distribution networks are further complicated by their interconnections. In this paper, we exploit load-side flexibility and clean energy resources to develop a novel two-level hybrid decentralized-centralized (HDC) algorithm to control DER-connected GEBs. The proposed HDC 1) achieves scalability w.r.t. to a large number of grid-connected buildings and devices, 2) incorporates a two-level design where aggregators control buildings centrally and the system operator coordinates the distribution network in a decentralized fashion, and 3) improves the computing efficiency and enhances communicating compatibility with heterogeneous temporal scales. Simulations are conducted based on the prototype of a campus building at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to show the efficiency and efficacy of the proposed approach.