Real- Time Challenges of Co-Simulation Framework for Integrated Grid Operations System
Abdul Shafae Mohammed, J.H.R. Enslin, Zachary Smith · 2024
The increasing presence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) across distribution (D) networks, along with the integration of inverter-based transmission (T) connected generation, particularly PV solar generation combined with energy storage, and the rapid progress in information and communication technologies, has opened up new avenues for regulating both real and reactive power in power transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. Nevertheless, these advancements also bring unprecedented operational challenges. This will introduce operational and market changes that require developing many real-time operational tools to seamlessly integrate a large amount of DER and others, including behind- the-meter (BTM) DERs (primarily distributed PV), into the power grid operation. Those real-time DER operation tools must be fully tested and validated before being integrated into the existing SCADA and EMS control center platforms. As system operations are siloed in transmission and distribution, the impacts of the DER and the effects of transmission events on distribution networks have necessitated the integrated study of the transmission and distribution networks. Thus, this paper addresses the challenges of developing a real-time integrated Transmission and Distribution framework for modeling inverter-based Resources (IBRs) in OPAL-RT. Finally, the need for an EMTP-based modeling approach is addressed with the results of a co-simulated integrated T &D approach.