SMART GRIDS and ADVANCED POWER DISTRIBUTION

The student will acquire skills to interact effectively with Electric System Operators using the correct terminology and showing appropriate and updated knowledge to discuss basic issues regarding Smart Grids and distributed Renewable Energy Sources (RESs). 

In particular, this will be achieved through in-depth studies on the structures of distribution electricity networks, functions, analysis methods, as well as protection, control and automation criteria of public Medium and Low Voltage (MV and LV) networks, for both "traditional" and "advanced" networks, i.e. according to the innovative paradigm of "Smart Grids". 

This paradigm is mainly aimed at the optimal integration of Distributed Generation systems from Renewable Energy Sources and Electricity Storage systems. 

The student will also become aware of the ongoing technological evolution and the impact of such evolution on present and future “smart” electrical systems, including Communication technologies supporting innovative paradigms being implemented, such as charging infrastructures for Electric Vehicles, active involvement strategies of Customers (Final Users), as well as the optimization of interactions between Transmission and Distribution networks, in the specific perspective of Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of the System.

The teaching includes both lectures and software supported exercises aimed at putting the contents of the theoretical notions into practice and developing the related skills.

Basic knowledge of Electrical Systems, with specific reference to the laws relating to electric and electromagnetic fields, the analysis of radial and meshed networks,  direct and sinusoidal alternating current electrical circuits (under steady-state and transient consitions), as well as to the operation of single-phase and three-phase, 

balanced and unbalanced Electrical Power Systems.

Knowledge of the main Electrical Machines (Power Transformers, Synchronous and Asynchronous Machines and Power Electronic Converters) and their operating principles and basic modelling.

Knowledge acquired thanks to the Course "Electric Power Utilization and Safety" attended during the previous year (first year).

Basic notions related to Electricity Markets.

Attending the Course is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as the Course includes, in addition to theoretical lessons, numerical exercises and group activities, including technical visits.

1. Structure and Regulation of Italian Distribution Networks

- Structures of Italian Medium and Low Voltage (MV and LV) Distribution Networks.

- Regulation on the Quality of Electricity Service.

- “Why” Smart Grids.

- ARERA, Evolution of Regulation, Mechanisms and Continuity Indicators.

- Public “Traditional” Passive MV and LV Distribution Networks: International and National Overview of Structures and Operating Criteria.

2. Generalized Method for the Calculation of Short-Circuit Current in Electricity Networks

- Transformations of variables used in the study of Electric Power Systems: Symmetrical Components Transformation (SCT).

- Introduction to the general analytical calculation method of short-circuit currents in networks and analysis methodology.

- Symmetrical faults: Short-circuit powers, Strong, weak, electrically close and far nodes.

- Unsymmetrical Faults: Phase-to-Ground Fault (PGF).

3. Neutral Grounding in MV Distribution Networks

- Types of Neutral Grounding.

- Influence of the Neutral Grounding on the system behavior during a PGF.

- Earth Directional Protections against the PGF (ANSI Code: 67N).

4. “Traditional” Protections in Primary Substations of Distribution Networks against Overload, Short- Circuit and PGF in the Italian Networks radially operated by e-distribuzione SpA

- Protections in Primary Substation (HV/MV) and along the main feeder (Distribution Hub): DRA (Automatic Reclosing Device); Overcurrent Protections (ANSI CODE: 51); Earth Directional Protection (ANSI CODE: 67N).

- Selectivity and description of the related tripping thresholds.

- Introduction of Remote Control and Automation of Distribution Networks in Italy.

- Automatic Selection of the Faulty Section of a MV Line Using Peripheral Units (UP): First Automation Techniques implemented in the networks of Enel Distribuzione and defined in document DK 4517, 2002).

- Examples of Fault Selection with the first implemented automation techniques: FRG, FNC and FRG on a line equipped with Recloser.

- Evolution Trends of Network Automation.

5. “Classic” Primary Substation and Digitalization process to implement Smart Grids

- Primary Substation – Type A2 Architecture (line protection panels, DAN, AVR for OLTP, transformer protection panels, active line protections).

- Structures, Components and Basic Protections for the HV and MV Sections.

- Distribution Network Protection Systems Standards: A1, A2 and A3, according to e-distribuzione SpA

- The “Smart Grids” Logic: integration of RESs and improvement of Service Quality.

- Distribution Network Digitalization in A3 configuration: Primary and Secondary Substations.

- In Primary Substation (A3 type Architecture) – A3 protection architecture diagram

> Digital RTU (TPT2020)

> Protection and Control Panels (DV7203 and DV7500)

> IEC61850 protocol.

> Protection architecture diagram.

> TPT2020 and communication with the SCADA of STM (MT Remote Control System).

> Distribution Management System (DMS) - one of the STM servers.

- In Secondary Substation (Structure, Components, Connection Rules of active and passive MV Users – CEI 0-16 Standard).

> IED 61850: RGDM Protection, DV7300 Panel, CCI - Central Plant Controller for Producers’ plants (active customers) (see Annexes O and T of CEI 0-16).

> Secondary Substation RTU: UP2008 and UP2015 models (IEC 60870-5-104 protocol).

6. Advanced Remote Control and Automation in Distribution Networks

- «Fast» FNC

- Introduction to Advanced Automation Techniques in networks managed by e-distribuzione: General Architectures.

- Automation types: “Logic Selectivity Function” (FSL), “Smart Fault Selection” (SFS), “Self-Healing Automation” (SHA).

7. Voltage Regulation Criteria in traditional MV and LV distribution networks introduced by ENEL Distribuzione SpA

- Criteria described in the document “ENEL DK 4455” (March 1993).

- Unsuitability of traditional criteria in presence of distributed generation and in a Smart Grid perspective.

8. Advanced Voltage Regulation Criteria in networks managed by e-distribuzione SpA

- REGV-1: advanced regulation implemented on the OLTC of the transformer of the AAT/MT or AT/MT transformation section;

- REGV-2: advanced regulation implemented on the OLTC of the transformer of the AAT/MT or AT/MT transformation section, integrated with activation of the User's local voltage regulation control, without reducing the active power fed by the private generators.

1) Technical Publications and Reports written by professionals in the International Electricity Sector (in English).

2) Teaching material provided by the professor (in Italian and in English).

3) CEI, CENELEC and IEC Standards (in Italian and in English).

4) Marconato, "Electric Power Systems", Vol. I e II, published by CEI (Italian Electrotechnical Committee) - In English.

Note: There is no commercial book covering the contents of this Course.

Learning assessment is usually carried out by an oral exam in presence.

Relevant elements to determine the final mark assigned to the Student will be:

- accuracy of the answers;

- completeness of the information provided;

- quality of the used technical language. 

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. 

Students can also contact the reference professor for CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) within the Department.

No examples.