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Publications

Publications by Carlos Moreira

2017

Low-voltage grid upgrades enabling islanding operation

Authors
André R.; Guerra F.; Gerlich M.; Metzger M.; Rodriguez S.; Gouveia C.; Moreira C.; Damásio J.; Santos R.; Gouveia J.;

Publication
CIRED - Open Access Proceedings Journal

Abstract
This article addresses the developments ongoing in SENSIBLE, an H2020 funded project focused on energy storage and energy management, which demonstration occurs in Évora-Portugal, Nottingham, UK and Nuremberg, Germany. Currently, the presented work focuses on the developments necessary to make possible islanding operation in low-voltage grids, where new assets like storage and new automation and protection schemes are necessary to guaranty safety and reliability of low-voltage grids. These developments are a result of the ongoing works under one of SENSIBLE use cases which demonstrations occurs in a small village in Évora district in Portugal.

2014

Operational characteristics of microgrids with electric vehicles

Authors
Gouveia, CS; Ribeiro, P; Moreira, CL; Lopes, JP;

Publication
Reliability Modeling and Analysis of Smart Power Systems

Abstract
Microgrids are the basic building cells of a smart grid. They are assumed to be established at the low voltage distribution level, where distributed energy sources, storage devices, controllable loads, and electric vehicles are integrated and need to be properly managed. The microgrid cell is a very flexible system that can be operated connected to the main power network or autonomously, in a controlled and coordinated way. When operating in islanded mode, the MG relies on local energy storage to ensure the balance between generations and loads. However, when operating isolated from the main grid, the MG is more sensitive to power quality issues such as voltage unbalance, caused by the connection of single-phase loads and sources. In order to improve the MG emergency operation conditions, the EV should be envisaged as an active and flexible entity, providing to the MG additional distributed load or storage capacity under the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concept. This chapter reviews the MG architecture considering EV and focuses on the impact of their active participation on the MG frequency regulation in emergency conditions (namely in islanding operating mode). Voltage unbalance issues during MG autonomous operation and the need for adopting voltage balancing mechanisms in specific power electronic interfaces are also discussed. © Springer India 2014.

2018

The role of Low-Voltage-Ride-Through capability of Distributed Energy Resources for the mitigation of voltage sags in Low Voltage distribution grids

Authors
Rodrigues, J; Lopes, A; Miranda, L; Gouveia, C; Moreira, C; Pecas Lopes, JP;

Publication
2018 POWER SYSTEMS COMPUTATION CONFERENCE (PSCC)

Abstract
The large scale integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) at the Low Voltage (LV) distribution network offers new opportunities for the improvement of power quality and network reliability. Currently, the occurrence of large disturbances at the transmission network causing severe voltage sags at the distribution level could lead to the disconnection of a large share of DER units connected to the LV network, causing a more severe disturbance. In this paper, Low-Voltage-Ride Through (LVRT) requirements and current support strategies are proposed to mitigate the impact of severe voltage sag at the distribution level for DER units connected to LV network. The impact of adopting the proposed LVRT strategies will be analyzed through simulation and experimentally. A developed in house ESS prototype incorporating the developed LVRT strategies is also presented, and its capacity to comply with the proposed LVRT requirements is demonstrated using an experimental Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) setup.

2018

Procedures for emergency situations

Authors
Moreira, C; Gouveia, C;

Publication
Microgrids Design and Implementation

Abstract
The development of the smart grid concept implies major changes in the operation and planning of distribution systems, particularly in Low Voltage (LV) networks. The majority of small-scale Distributed Energy Resources (DER)-microgeneration units, energy storage devices, and flexible loads-are connected to LV networks, requiring local control solutions to mitigate technical problems resulting from its integration in the system. Simultaneously, LV connected DER can be aggregated in small cells in order to globally provide new functionalities to system operators. Within this view, the Microgrid (MG) concept has been pointed out as a solution to extend and decentralize the distribution network monitoring and control capability. An MG is a highly flexible, active, and controllable LV cell, incorporating microgeneration units based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) or low carbon technologies for small-scale combined heat and power applications, energy storage devices, and loads. The coordination of MG local resources, achieved through an appropriated network of controllers and communication system, endows the LV system with sufficient autonomy to operate interconnected to the upstream network or autonomously-emergency operation. In this case, the potentialities of DER can be truly realized if the islanded operation is allowed and bottom-up black start functionalities are implemented. To achieve this operational capability, this chapter presents the control procedures to be used in such a system to deal with the islanded operation and to exploit the local generation resources as a way to help in power system restoration in case of an emergency situation. A sequence of actions for a black start procedure is identified, and it is expected to be an advantage for power system operation regarding reliability as a result from the presence of a huge amount of dispersed generation.

2018

Microgrid demonstration projects and pilot sites

Authors
Gouveia, C; Moreira, C; Rua, D; Lopes, JP;

Publication
Microgrids Design and Implementation

Abstract
Within the smart grid (SG) paradigm, the microgrid (MG) concept has been pointed out as a pathway for the implementation of future smart distribution networks since it extends and decentralizes the distribution network monitoring and control capability and provides key self-healing capabilities to low voltage (LV) networks. The increased interest on the MG concept has led to several demonstration activities that have been exploited worldwide. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview regarding some of the laboratorial infrastructures and pilot sites dedicated to development of MG and SG concepts. Additionally, it is presented and discussed the development of a specific SG laboratorial infrastructure following the MG concept.

2019

Multi-temporal Active Power Scheduling and Voltage/var Control in Autonomous Microgrids

Authors
Castro, MV; Moreira, CL;

Publication
Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, LNICST

Abstract
This paper presents a multi-temporal approach for the energy scheduling and voltage/var control problem in a microgrid (MG) system with photovoltaic (PV) generation and energy storage devices (PV-battery MG) during islanded operation conditions. A MG is often defined as a low voltage (LV) distribution grid that encompasses distributed energy resources and loads that operate in a coordinated way, either connected to the upstream distribution grid or autonomously (islanded from the main grid). Considering the islanded operation of the MG during a given period, it is necessary to develop proper tools that allow the effective coordination of the existing resources. Such tools should be incorporated in the MG control system hierarchy in order to assure proper conditions for the operation of the autonomous MG in terms of active power, voltage and reactive power management. Energy storage devices are essential components for the successful operation of islanded MG. These devices have a very fast response and are able to absorb/inject the right amount of power. For the operation of the MG in islanding conditions during a longer period, it is necessary to integrate information related to the forecasting of loads and PV-based generation for the upcoming hours for which is intended to maintain MG in islanded operation. Therefore, this paper presents a tool to be integrated in the Microgrid Central Controller (MGCC) that is responsible to perform a multi-temporal optimal power flow (OPF) in order to schedule the active and reactive power within the MG for the next time intervals. © 2019, ICST Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.

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