Restoration of an Active MV Distribution Grid with a Battery ESS: A Real Case Study

Abstract

In order to improve power system operation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) have been installed in high voltage/medium voltage stations by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) around the world. Support for restoration of MV distribution networks after a blackout or HV interruption is among the possible new functionalities of BESSs. With the aim to improve quality of service, the present paper investigates whether a BESS, installed in the HV/MV substation, can improve the restoration process indicators of a distribution grid. As a case study, an actual active distribution network of e-distribuzione, the main Italian DSO, has been explored. The existing network is located in central Italy. It supplies two municipalities of approximately 10,000 inhabitants and includes renewable generation plants. Several configurations are considered, based on: the state of the grid at blackout time; the BESS state of charge; and the involvement of Dispersed Generation (DG) in the restoration process. Three restoration plans (RPs) have been defined, involving the BESS alone, or in coordination with DG. A MATLAB ® /Simulink ® program has been designed to simulate the restoration process in each configuration and restoration plan. The results show that the BESS improves restoration process quality indicators in different simulated configurations, allowing the operation in controlled island mode of parts of distribution grids, during interruptions or blackout conditions. The defined restoration plans set the priority and the sequence of controlled island operations of parts of the grid to ensure a safe and better restoration. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that a BESS can be a valuable element towards an improved restoration procedure.

A review of battery energy storage systems for ancillary services in distribution grids: Current status, challenges and future directions

“…Moreover, the application of BESS for black-start was validated using a real case study of an Italian MV distribution grid in Manganelli et al (2018). The effectiveness of BESS for black-start in distribution grids was demonstrated using different scenarios; BESS in coordination with distributed generators and BESS alone.…”

Under Frequency Protection Enhancement of an Islanded Active Distribution Network Using a Virtual Inertia-Controlled-Battery Energy Storage System

“…The penetrations of a large-scale and centralized power system associated with high RESs/DGs production are highly variable and volatile and there have been issues with decreasing stability and reliability. Therefore, to cope with the volatility of RESs/DGs and to improve the stability margin of the power system in the past few years, a microgrid [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] and an active distribution network (ADN) [8][9][10] have been proposed to make the power system network more active and flexible by integrating RESs/DGs and some intelligent controls for RESs/DGs and loads in the decentralized schemes. Nevertheless, the microgrid has focused mainly on managing a small-scale distribution system and loads compared to a larger-scale ADN.…”

“…The BESS implementation on the ADN from low-voltage to medium-voltage applications has many advantages [10,31,32]. Therefore, researchers have been increasingly interested in applying the frequency stability improvements using the BESS to the ADN system.…”

Feasibility Analysis of Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage System According to Public Policy on an Electricity Charge Discount Program

“…This makes ESS suitable for providing a black start service. Case studies of black start services of ESSs in medium voltage distribution networks are discussed in Manganelli et al [11]. Further, upgrades of transmission and distribution network facilities can be deferred through ESS installation [12][13][14].…”