The exploitation of combined photovoltaic (PV) plants and storage systems is nowadays assuming growing importance, due to the technical, environmental, and economical benefits which can derive from an optimal integration. In this paper, a mixed-integer algorithm for the optimal dispatch of a storage system, based on the day-ahead PV forecasting is developed. The optimization objective is the maximization of the total production of the integrated system, according to a requested active power profile, which can be defined by the operator. The study case of an existing distribution management system, which operates on the low-voltage microgrid at University of Genova is analyzed. The procedure is validated by field results with particular attention to the storage round-trip efficiency.

This paper introduces an algorithm able to detect and localize the occurrence of a fault in an Active Distribution Network, using the measurements collected by Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). First, a basic algorithm that works under the assumption that all grid buses are equipped with a PMU is designed. Then, formal observability conditions that allow detection and localization with a reduced number of PMUs are provided. Based on these conditions, the algorithm is extended to perform correctly when not all network buses are monitored. Moreover, an Optimal Positioning Algorithm, always based on the observability conditions, is designed. This algorithm allows the user to customize the fault localization resolution. The approach is validated through simulations carried out on a benchmark active distribution network.

The electric energy demand will increase in the future, and the will to exploit larger amounts of generation from renewable resources requires the development of new strategies to manage a more complex electrical system. Different techniques allow the smart management of distribution networks such as load shifting, peak shaving, and short-term optimization. This work aims to test, in a real low-voltage (LV) active network (LV test facility of Strathclyde University of Glasgow), a Microgrid Smart Energy Management System, which adopts a two-stage strategy. The two levels of the proposed energy control system are composed of: 1) midterm controller that, according to weather, load, and generation forecasts, computes the profile of the controllable resources (generation, load, and storage), the dispatch problem is then solved through an optimization process; and through 2) short-term controller, which controls the power absorption of the active network. This procedure is hierarchically designed to dispatch the resources/loads, according to priority signals with the objective to contain the energy consumption below predetermined thresholds. The scalability and effectiveness of the architecture, which is validated in a real test bed, demonstrates the feasibility of implementing such a type of controller directly connected to the LV breakers, delivering a part of a real smart grid.

This work aims to propose a pseudo-measurement modeling method for Distribution State Estimation (DSE) application embedded in a Distribution Management System (DMS). The entire system is already installed on the distribution MV network of Sanremo, in the North of Italy, within the Smartgen research project. The acquisition architecture consists of a SCADA system, which allows the data exchange from meters installed in the MV-LV substations. In order to satisfy the system observability conditions and to perform the State Estimation (SE) algorithm, real-time measures need to be integrate with the pseudo-measures of the non-monitored substations. The paper investigates a load modeling technique, based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Fourier decomposition, that allow the generation of pseudo-measurements starting from the historical database of the monitored substations.

Cold ironing represents an effective solution to remove air-polluting emissions from ports. The high voltage shore connection (HVSC) system is the key enabling facility that allows providing power from the shore-side electrical system to the ship. The design of the shore connection needs a comprehensive assessment of the fault currents in different operating scenarios. International standards require the neutral point of the shore connection transformer to be equipped with a neutral grounding resistor. Its value has to be defined to guarantee the safety and protection of equipment and personnel in the case of single phase-to-ground faults. Moreover, three-phase short circuits need to be considered to size equipment and protection devices. A crucial role is played by the frequency converter control system, required to adapt the mains frequency to the frequency of the ship. In this work, a complete electromagnetic dynamic model of the HVSC has been developed, including a frequency converter, a shore-side transformer, connection medium voltage (MV) cables, and a power system of the ship, to analyze in detail the behavior of the system in the case of single phase-to-ground fault and three-phase short circuit, taking into account relevant standards and best practices.