We can find two major issues hindering practical applicability of existing TSO–DSO coordination mechanisms, namely the computational complexity due to the large number of times the TSO and DSO problems are resolved as well as the inability to map analytically the cost and amount of flexibility at DSO level into TSO problem.
To overcome these issues, our colleagues from LIST proposed a novel approach to TSO–DSO coordination in day-ahead operation planning for the procurement of ancillary services (AS) such as congestion management and voltage control. To this end, a two-fold novelty of their approach consists of the decomposition of the overall AS problem into two sequential stages, which seek the procurement of: (i) ‘‘active power related’’ AS (i.e., for congestion management) and then (ii) the ‘‘reactive power related’’ AS (i.e., for voltage support), respectively as well as a fast approximation of the cost of aggregated active and reactive power flexibilities of active distribution systems (ADSs). Unlike existing mechanisms, the proposed approach considers real-world challenging aspects such as the N-1 security at TSO level and operation uncertainties at both TSO and DSO levels.
Accordingly, the approach relies on tailored versions of stochastic multi-period AC security-constrained optimal power flow (S-MP-SCOPF) at TSO level and stochastic multi-period AC optimal power flow (S-MP-OPF) at DSO level, which are formulated as non-linear programming (NLP) problems. The importance and performance of the proposed approach are illustrated on a power system connecting a 60-bus transmission system (under 33 N-1 contingencies) with five 34-bus ADSs.

A new article by Muhammad Usman (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) et al. has just been published. Find the full version of the article here.

Our researchers from INESC TEC have just published a new article on Elsevier. The paper “network-secure bidding optimization of aggregators of multi-energy systems in electricity, gas, and carbon markets” presents a network-secure bidding optimization strategy to assist aggregators of multi-energy systems in calculating electricity (energy and reserve), gas and carbon bids considering multi-energy network constraints.

The proposed strategy is based on the alternating direction method of multipliers. Results show that joint optimization of multi-energy systems reduces aggregators’ costs by 89% compared to a single energy-vector approach.

The full article is available here.

To support the development and performance evaluation of the ATTEST toolbox components, a set of relevant test cases have been developed in the last weeks.

Each test case consists of a series of files containing electric grid information (grid topology, generation and load data, assets data, etc.) that supports the simulation of a real (or realistic) situation, whether it is a scenario for long term planning, operation or asset management.

To build the test cases, the ATTEST team mapped the existing network and installed capacity of Portugal, Croatia and the UK in 2020. Then, researchers collected official policy documents (such as ten-year development plans for transmission and distribution, energy strategy) and projections to support high-level estimations of energy generation and consumption up to 2050.

The result is yet to be fully released, but we have published a set of infographics that resume the key data for each country. You can find them on the resources page.

Flexibility has become a requirement for modern power systems dominated by renewable generation sources. It can be extracted from different assets, ranging from demand response to fast generating units. This paper proposes an investment model that nds an optimal mix of transmission-level non-generation flexible assets: battery energy storage (BES), thyristor-controlled series compensators (TCSC), and transmission lines. The role of BES is to offset renewable generation in time, but its power converter is additionally utilized to provide voltage regulation by injecting/withdrawing reactive power.

TCSC is used to alter power flows and increase existing lines’ capacity, while new power lines are used to increase bulk power transfer. The proposed planning model uses a linearized AC OPF and employs Benders’ decomposition to develop an iterative procedure for obtaining the optimal solution. The presented case study illustrates the usefulness of the model for different BES costs and investment policies.

The new article by Hrvoje Panžić (ICENT) et al. has just been published at IEEE. Find the full version of the article here.

D8.1 – Dissemination plan and D8.2 – Communication plan have been publicly released.

Both deliverables clarify ATTEST’s communication strategy and brand assets and set the foundation for all the project communication and dissemination activities.

Both files are available for download here.

The arrival of new energy sources poses an unprecedented challenge for global power systems. As most Renewable Energy Sources (RES) strongly depend on weather conditions, future energy systems will need to deal with new generation patterns and increased flexibility needs for which they are not prepared.

ATTEST contributes to the development of energy systems by adding some new features (while improving some of the existing ones) to their planning, operation and maintenance procedures. It engages Distribution System Operators (DSOs), Transmission System Operators (TSOs), and consumers in one optimized energy cycle of reduced costs, minimum waste, and maximized efficiency.

Overall, ATTEST improvements in energy systems fall into six areas:

Increasing power system flexibility and generation back-up capacity

New mechanisms of demand-side flexibility activation compensate for the increased variability on the production side as both transmission and distribution systems will benefit from a progressive proliferation of energy storage solutions. End-user flexibility activation schemes also allow consumers to participate in system services.

Integrating different energy systems

The integration of different energy systems aims to deliver additional flexibility and avoid service disruption by primarily satisfying their needs at the demand side. Multi-Energy Systems (MES) can also switch between energy sources and large scale storage systems, thus promoting the integration of RES.

Improving the interaction between DSOs and TSOs

The coordination between DSOs and TSOs leads to the creation of new market architectures, codes, and rules – which are necessary given the integration of RES at different voltage levels. Advanced ICT solutions will also ensure the provision of ancillary services based on the available flexibility from the distribution system.

Ensuring the security of operation against critical disturbances

Transmission and distribution grid dynamics will include the careful assessment of instability phenomena to efficiently respond to the challenge posed by the integration of distributed generation with little or no inertia.

Building a user-centric energy system that empowers consumers

Innovative aggregation business models encourage consumer participation in the electricity markets. Once operational and truly competitive, energy systems fulfill consumer needs while raising their awareness about the energy system value chain.

Promoting the digitalization of the energy sector

ICT will provide unprecedented access to information on energy usage and control to all players in the energy market. Such an environment improves efficiency, reduces costs, and fosters the integration of renewables, thus unlocking the real potential of Distributed Energy Resources (DER).

We are building the energy systems of the future with efficiency in mind. Follow us to be the first to know about our project demos and results!

Learn how ATTEST brings competitiveness to the European electricity market and decreases electricity prices.

Learn how ATTEST contributes to more efficient energy grids and how it adds up to the global fighting against climate crisis.

An innovative, open-source toolbox will enhance electricity grids and reduce energy waste.