Modeling and Control of Modern Electrical Energy Systems

8Summary and Conclusion

The power system is undergoing and shall continue to undergo a substantial paradigm shift. The existing paradigm of (i) generating the bulk electric energy in large, central power plants (by burning fossil fuels and from nuclear processes) and (ii) transmitting it over long physical distances using extensive high-voltage transmission infrastructure, is not an environmentally-friendly approach and cannot be sustained forever. The technical solution to this problem is to deploy renewable resources, primarily solar and wind energies, combined with appropriate energy storage devices and mechanisms. Consumer education as well as suitable demand response strategies can also significantly contribute to address this problem.

The existing power system can still serve as a backbone to help realize this solution. To extract the maximum benefit from this solution, it must mainly be implemented in a “distributed” manner, hence the concept of distributed energy resources (DERs), which are dispersed energy systems interfaced with the power system at the distribution (that is low to medium voltage) levels. Large penetration of DERs into the power system will, however, have major impacts on the way the existing power system is maintained. Specifically, the bidirectional power flow at the nodes that used to allow only a unidirectional flow, can complicate the control, protection, and repair/maintenance tasks. Synchronism of the DERs with the ac power system in dynamic ...