Smart systems for efficient distributed energy control

Distributed energy will transform smart and sustainable power grids, with significant benefits for future energy infrastructure.

José López.

Published: October 12, 2024

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Introduction

The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. As demand for clean, reliable and decentralized distributed energy increases, distributed energy resources (DER) are emerging as a critical solution. The evolution of DERs, along with the integration of smart technologies, is reshaping the power grid.

This article explores how distributed energy will transform smart and sustainable power grids, delving into the technical aspects of the transition and the benefits for future energy infrastructure.

Increased levels of renewable generation, much of it located in homes and businesses, produce electricity that fluctuates with the time of day and the weather.

Importance of distributed energy resources

New technologies for storing energy and managing energy use are emerging, and the costs of these technologies are falling. The electricity system is transforming from one built around large centralized generators to one in which thousands of individual generators line the rooftops and garages of modern homes and businesses.

Distributed energy resources are transforming our electric system, creating an exciting opportunity to leverage customer investment to reduce electricity costs and power sector emissions.

However, if not properly managed, distributed energy resources can also present a risk to power system security and grid reliability, leading to additional costs and potential disruptions for customers. Self-supply from rooftop solar PV systems and exporting excess energy to the grid are reducing daytime demand supplied by the grid to very low levels.

The need for distributed energy in modern grids

Traditional centralized power generation models have dominated the energy sector for decades. These systems rely on large-scale power plants, often located far from consumption points, resulting in energy losses, inefficiencies and lack of flexibility. In addition, as renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, become more widespread, the need for a more decentralized and adaptable energy infrastructure becomes apparent.

Distributed energy resources, such as small-scale solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems and microgrids, enable localized power generation. This decentralization offers several advantages:

Increased grid resilience: by distributing generation points, the grid becomes less vulnerable to large-scale failures.
Lower transmission losses: Power is generated closer to the points of consumption, reducing the losses associated with long-distance transmission.
Scalability and flexibility: Distributed systems can be easily scaled up or down depending on demand, unlike traditional power plants.

Smart grids: The backbone of distributed energy

The integration of distributed energy is inseparable from the development of smart grids. A smart grid uses digital communication technologies to monitor and control energy flows, enabling the seamless incorporation of renewable and distributed energy sources. These systems rely on advanced sensors, automation and data analysis to optimize energy distribution.

Key features of smart grids include:

Real-time monitoring: Smart meters and sensors provide constant information on energy consumption and generation, helping to balance supply and demand.
Demand response capabilities: By analyzing consumption patterns, smart grids can reduce load during peak hours, improving energy efficiency.
Self-repair capabilities: Smart grids can detect and isolate faults, rerouting power to maintain reliability without manual intervention.

The role of distributed energy in achieving sustainability

The integration of distributed energy resources (DER) into modern power grids represents a paradigm shift in energy generation, distribution and consumption. This transition from centralized to decentralized energy systems is driven by the convergence of technological advances, environmental imperatives and changing consumer demands.

Sustainability is one of the key drivers of the shift to distributed energy. As countries commit to reducing their carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy, DERs play a key role in achieving these goals.

DERs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating more renewable energy sources into the grid. Solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage systems allow homes and businesses to produce clean energy on their own premises, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

In addition, energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries and emerging technologies such as solid-state batteries, ensure that excess energy produced by renewable sources is stored and used when needed. This ability to store and distribute energy on demand is key to overcoming the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.

Decentralized energy and its contribution to carbon neutrality: Distributed energy enhances decarbonization efforts, giving consumers greater control over their energy sources. By producing clean energy locally, emissions from traditional generation methods are reduced. This not only supports national and global sustainability goals, but also improves local air quality.

The future: Integration of distributed energy and smart grids

The future of energy is not just distributed; it is also interconnected and smart. DERs and smart grids together create a system that is adaptable, resilient and efficient. However, integrating distributed energy into the existing grid infrastructure poses significant challenges.

Interoperability and standardization

For DERs to function optimally within the broader energy grid, seamless communication and standardization are essential. This requires the development of protocols that ensure compatibility between various technologies, from solar panels and wind turbines to battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

We are already working to establish interoperability frameworks. However, this is an ongoing process that requires collaboration between industries and governments.

Grid stability and energy management

Managing grid stability with an increasing number of DERs is a complex task. DERs, especially renewable sources, are inherently variable. A wind turbine may produce more energy than expected one day and none the next. Similarly, solar panels depend on the availability of sunlight, which changes with weather conditions.

Impact of AI and machine learning on network management

The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms is further improving grid management. These technologies analyze large amounts of grid data to predict consumption trends, optimize power flows, and even detect potential faults before they become severe. Predictive maintenance, powered by AI, is helping utilities avoid costly repairs and improve the lifespan of their infrastructure.

Microgrids: A decentralized approach to energy resilience

Microgrids are localized grids that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. They are critical to the future of distributed energy, particularly for improving resilience to natural disasters and other disruptions. By tapping into local energy sources, microgrids can provide a stable power supply even when the main grid experiences outages.

The rise of renewable microgrids, powered by solar, wind and other green technologies, further emphasizes the role of distributed energy in achieving sustainability and energy security. These microgrids are especially valuable in regions prone to natural disasters, where centralized grids are vulnerable to large-scale failures.

Economic benefits of distributed energy

Beyond the environmental and technical advantages, distributed energy systems offer significant economic benefits. For consumers, the ability to generate and store their own energy can generate significant cost savings, especially as the cost of renewable technologies continues to fall.

In addition, distributed systems create opportunities for new business models, such as peer-to-peer energy trading, where individuals can sell excess energy to their neighbors or back to the grid.

For utility companies, the shift to a distributed energy model reduces the need for large-scale investments in new power plants and transmission infrastructure. Instead, resources can be allocated to modernize existing grids to accommodate DERs and improve energy management systems.

Regulatory and policy support

The transformation of electricity grids through distributed energy requires supportive regulatory frameworks. Governments and regulators play a key role in promoting the adoption of DER by incentivizing clean energy technologies and establishing grid access policies that favor decentralized generation.

In many countries, feed-in tariffs, net metering policies, and subsidies for renewable energy installations have accelerated DER deployment. Going forward, policymakers will need to address challenges such as grid access, energy equity, and cybersecurity to ensure a smooth transition to a distributed energy future.

Conclusions

The integration of distributed energy into smart grids represents a paradigm shift in the way we produce, manage and consume electricity. By decentralizing power generation and adopting digital technologies, we can create a more resilient, sustainable and efficient power grid that meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The proliferation of DERs offers multiple benefits, including increased grid resilience, improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. By enabling localized energy generation and storage, DERs mitigate vulnerabilities associated with centralized power systems, particularly during extreme weather events or other disruptions.

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the symbiosis between DERs and smart grid technologies will be critical to fulfilling the full potential of a decentralized and sustainable energy future. This transformation promises to revolutionize not only the technical aspects of power systems, but also the economic and environmental paradigms of energy production and consumption.

As energy evolution advances, the symbiosis between DERs and smart grid technologies are critical to realizing the full potential of a decentralized and sustainable energy future. This transformation promises to revolutionize not only the technical aspects of power systems, but also the economic and environmental paradigms of energy production and consumption.

While challenges remain (such as ensuring grid stability, maintaining interoperability and navigating regulatory frameworks), the future of distributed energy is promising. As technologies continue to advance and costs decline, distributed energy will play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of smart and sustainable grids.

References

https://www.cummins.com/news/2021/11/04/what-are-distributed-energy-resources-and-how-do-they-work
https://www.aemc.gov.au/energy-system/electricity/electricity-system/distributed-energy-resources
https://www.gridx.ai/knowledge/distributed-energy-resources
https://www.ieso.ca/Learn/Ontario-Electricity-Grid/Distributed-Energy-Resources