Integrated Dispatchable Resources Control Systems for Peak Load Management in Local Electricity Distribution Networks

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Canadian utilities are investing billions of dollars in smart grid initiatives as part of a world-wide effort to reduce environmental impact and increase power grids' efficiency. With the wide availability of smart sensors, meters and communications networks combined with increasing penetration of distributed energy resources, tremendous opportunities are made available to local distribution companies (LDC) to reduce their peak load and improve the operations' efficiency. The research team at the University of New Brunswick will develop integrated technical solutions for managing and controlling the dispatchable embedded energy resources for peak load reduction while guaranteeing normal operations of end users, via the metering, communication and control infrastructures in the smart grid environment, in close collaboration with the industry partner Saint John Energy (SJE). The project's objectives are: (1) to develop machine-learning-based forecasting algorithms that will predict LDC peak loads and shifting capacity of embedded energy resources without impact to the normal usage of the end users; (2) to develop innovative technologies to dispatch embedded energy resources for peak load reduction in local distribution networks which include electrical energy storage units, thermal energy storage units and distributed generation units; and (3) to demonstrate the integrated solution through a pilot operation in actual operating conditions of an LDC such as SJE. The technologies developed in this project will result in a reduced peak load demand leading to lower demand charges and environment footprints in electricity supplies. The full implementation of the technologies across SJE's embedded energy resources will improve the average load factor from the current 71% to 80%, bringing significant benefits in maximizing energy efficiency, providing environmental benefits, enhancing system operations, contributing to the regional economy, and nurturing the prosumer culture. The technical solutions from this project can be applied to other LDCs in Canada presenting great opportunities for commercialization.