João Azeredo Aguiar

Abstract
This paper proposes a near to real-time local market to provide reactive power to the transmission system operator (TSO), using the resources connected to a distribution grid managed by a distribution system operator (DSO). The TSO publishes a requested reactive power profile at the TSO-DSO interface for each time-interval of the next delivery period, so that market agents (managing resources of the distribution grid) can prepare and send their bids accordingly. DSO resources are the first to be mobilized, and the remaining residual reactive power is supplied by the reactive power flexibility offered in the local reactive market. Complex bids (with non-curtailability conditions) are supported to provide flexible ways of bidding fewer flexible assets (such as capacitor banks). An alternating current (AC) optimal power flow (OPF) is used to clear the bids by maximizing the social welfare to supply the TSO required reactive power profile, subject to the DSO grid constraints. A rolling window mechanism allows a continuous dispatching of reactive power, and the possibility of adapting assigned schedules to real time constraints. A simplified TSO-DSO cost assignment of the flexible reactive power used is proposed to share for settlement purposes.

Abstract
Using power-hardware-in-the-loop is a solution for testing the behavior of devices on an emulated grid, with greater flexibility and avoiding the introduction of disturbances or critical operating conditions in the utility grid. This paper highlights the implementation of such a setup, its challenges and the solutions to cope with its limitations. The emulated grid is then used for the experimental validation of a 10kVA converter, regarding fault-ride-through, dynamic reactive current support and frequency and voltage based droop control, leading to the identification of design improvement recommendations.