4.1_simulation & analysis tools for microgrids_weng and cortes_epri/snl microgrid
TRANSCRIPT
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Overview of Techno-Economic Assessment
Simulation & Analysis tools for Microgrids
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What is Feasibility (Techno-Economic) Assessment?
Evaluate use cases for Microgrid & DERsMicrogrid designDER sizing & Optimal dispatchFirst-order analysis of Costs & Benefits Identify challenges that need to be addressed in detailed design and
demonstration/implementation phases
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Study Process
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Microgrid design
Three driving aspects of the design:
– Technical requirements– Capital & Operating Costs– Policy
Technical specifications affect costs/benefitsMicrogrid design
Policy
Costs/benefit
s
Technical
specs.
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Microgrid design: Software tools
Software tools combine:
Optimization algorithms
Heuristics
Databases
Outcome: A “good” idea of the microgrid design
UI
SOLVER
MODEL
DATABASE
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Modeling ProcessOverview
Inputs
Electrical & Thermal Loads
Electricity & Gas tariff data
DER data
Site Weather Data
Outputs
Optimal DER
Mix & Capacity
DER Dispatch
Quantitative Cost/Benefit
F Investment &
Financing
ObjectivesMinimize Cost
Minimize Emissions
% Renewable Penetration
… Outage Duration
ConstraintsCost/Emissions Cap
Zero Net Energy
Specify DER types/size/models
Optimization/Search Engine
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Limitations
Optimization is a powerful tool, but not every problem can be solved, due to:– Non-convexity,– Prohibitively large number of
variables
Methods include relaxations (might neglect important design specifications)
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Addressing limitations
Execute optimization
approach
Test design feasibility on a more realistic
model
Final economic analysis/ decision making
Use engineering judgement, heuristics, previous experience
New constraints
If infeasible
If feasible
Design parameters
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Examples of software tools
DER-CAM– MILP Bilevel optimization approach– Deterministic – Computationally intensive – Optimizes both dispatch and sizing– Different versions include:
Uses only 3-day types Steady-State power flow approximations Emergency day-types
HOMER– Smart-search based approach– Dispatch is carried out using simple but robust dispatch rules– Sizing is performed through a smart search algorithm– New versions allow user-defined dispatch rules
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Handling uncertainty
Some of the design parameters might be unknown– Greenfield projects with unknown load– Electricity rates to establish– Project ownership
This sort of uncertainty can be handled using sensitivity analysis– Scenarios for different values of the uncertain parameters
The resulting information should help decision making
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EPRI Feasibility Projects
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Feasibility AssessmentChallenges
Outage Design Criteria Value of Resiliency/Reliability
Cost/Benefit Perspective?
Existing vs NewSite Data Availability Data Granularity
Deterministic vs Stochastic
Model
Power Flow?Thermal Flow?
Study Detail vs
Time Spent
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Together…Shaping the Future of Electricity