Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) solution for feeder Voltage Management for Utility integrated DERs

Abstract

Tlie increasing penetration of renewable energy, and consequently the number of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) interconnections, has given rise to problems such as sustained high voltage and large voltage fluctuations due to the variability of these resources. These violations can have a significant impact on the operation of the electric grid and must therefore be studied and mitigated. Implementation of limits and curtailment strategies to mitigate voltage violations, can help sustain grid operability. This work will focus on how ComEd, instead of carrying out a traditional line upgrade, has developed a Distributed Energy Management System (DERMS) solution to interface with a customer site controller for applications such as behind the meter microgrid containing solar PV and BESS. The DERMS solution monitors and controls high voltage in addition to managing voltage fluctuations. This is achieved through curtailment of daytime solar PV by sending curtailment signals to a customer site controller; and by sending control setpoints at night allowing the customer's participation in frequency regulation when feasible, while staying within voltage violation limits.