Performance of smart distribution systems (SDS) with large-scale renewable energy sources (LSRES)

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A reliable, efficient, low-cost, high-quality supply of electricity is one of the major factors in maintaining or improving Canada's high standard of living. A number of challenges are associated with the current electricity supply system: environmental pollution, stringent regulatory demands, an aging energy supply infrastructure, the high price of fusel fuel, and the acute shortage of trained manpower and expertise in the electric energy sector. These factors make it crucial that the distribution system be operated in a fundamentally different manner: using a smart distribution system. A smart distribution system (SDS) is a modern electric system that uses communication, sensors, automation, and computers to improve the flexibility, security, reliability, efficiency, and safety of an electricity system. Such systems offer consumers increased choice by providing opportunities for them to control their electricity use and respond to electricity price changes by adjusting their consumption. The implementation of these systems is an enormous undertaking that requires serious research and ingenuity. Substantial research effort is needed in order for SDS to become reality and for the problems associated with integration to be overcome. The purpose of the research presented in this proposal is to study a subset of these activities: ones that are considered essential for the development of smart distribution systems and the integration of large scale renewable energy sources (LSRES). This research will (i) provide a good understanding of SDS; (ii) develop a smart distribution system model that is essential for enabling the implementation of the new technologies that will be an integral part of SDS: renewable energy sources, smart meters, multi-agent control, and demand response; (iii) establish a much needed procedure suitable for evaluating the connectivity of LSRES, which is necessary if Canadian utilities are to deal with new renewable energy initiatives such as Ontario's Feed-in-Tariff Program; and (iv) facilitate the increased contribution of renewable energy sources to the Canadian fuel mix vision.