Active transmission and distribution networks Smart Grids

Research areas Network calculation methods Distribution automation AMR and interactive customer gateway Network impacts of distributed generation and other active resources (e.g. plug-in vehicles) Power electronics in distribution networks FACTS devices in transmission networks
Contact persons Prof. Pertti Jrventausta Prof. Pekka Verho Associate Prof. Sami Repo

Grid impacts of distributed generation

Traditionally, the control of a radial distribution network is based on the assumption of unidirectional power flow DG changes this basis radically power flows may have new directions and amplitudes voltage drop problem may change to voltage rise problem DG contributes to all faults occurring in the network protection system may fail DG located on low voltage (LV) level is in many ways analog to medium voltage (MV) level installations

Active network as a solution

Passive network until now flexibility comes from network capacity network itself may handle all probable loading conditions investments are in lines, cables, transformers and switchgear Active network flexibility comes from use of controllable resources investments are in controllability and information and telecommunication technologies require integration of DG units instead of "fit & forget synergy effects from co-operation of individual controllable resources

Objective of ADINE
Develop, demonstrate and validate Active Network Management (ANM) method for distribution network including DG and other active devices goals of ANM enable an easy connection of DG units ensure safe network operation in networks with DG increase network reliability in networks with DG maximize the use of the existing networks with bottlenecks caused by voltage issues maintain the required level of power quality despite non-predictable power production or consumption Develop a set of technical solutions Demonstrate in real-life environment Validate combination of solutions through simulations

Active distribution network

Protection of distribution networks with DG

Protection is a critical issue for DG integration failed reclosing relay blinding sympathetic tripping anti-islanding protection Non-directional over-current relays not sufficient always communication based relays one solution Fault location disturbed by DG new method taking DG influence into account Manual protection planning needs to be minimized co-ordinated planning in Network Information System

Voltage control of networks with DG

DG affects voltage regulation over the network Local control of DG units control of reactive output Centralised voltage control co-ordinate all devices SCADA/DMS software manage network losses, reactive power compensation