Distributed Energy Storage Systems: Microgrid Application, Market-Based Optimal Operation and Harmonic Analysis

The need for modern electricity infrastructures and more capable grid components brings attention to distributed energy storage systems because of their bidirectional power flow capability. This dissertation focuses on three different aspects of distributed energy storage system applications in distribution networks. It starts with flywheel energy storage system modeling and analysis for application in microgrid facilities. Then, a market-based optimal controller is proposed to enhance the operational profit of distributed energy storage devices in distribution networks. Finally, impact of multiple distributed energy storage devices on harmonic propagation in distribution networks is investigated.

This dissertation provides a comparison between batteries and flywheels for the ride-through application in critical microgrid facilities like data centers. In comparison with batteries, the application of FES for power security is new. This limits the availability of experimental data. The software tool developed in this dissertation enables analysis of short-term, ride-through applications of FES during an islanded operation of a facility microgrid. As a result, it can provide a guideline for facility engineers in data centers or other types of facility microgrids to design backup power systems based on FES technology.

This dissertation also presents a real-time control scheme that maximizes the revenue attainable by distributed energy storage systems without sacrificing the benefits related to improvements in reliability and reduction in peak feeder loading. This optimal control algorithm provides a means for realizing additional benefits by utilities by taking advantage of the fluctuating cost of energy in competitive energy markets. The key drivers of the economic optimization problem for distributed energy storage systems are discussed.

In this dissertation, the impact of distribution network topology on harmonic propagation due to the interaction of multiple harmonic sources is investigated. Understanding how multiple harmonic sources interact to increase or decrease the harmonic distortion is crucial in distribution networks with a large number of Distributed Energy Resources. A new index, Index of Phasor Harmonics (IPH), is proposed for harmonic quantization in multiple harmonic source cases. The proposed IPH index presents more information than commonly used indices. With the help of the detailed distribution network model, topological impacts of harmonic propagation are investigated. In particular, effects of mutual coupling, phase balance, three phase harmonic sources, and single phase harmonic sources are considered.