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 

• Structure of Italian Medium and Low Voltage (MV and LV) Distribution Networks.
• The Distributed Generation paradigm: “why” Smart Grids.
• Regulation on the Quality of Electricity Supply.
• ARERA: Regulatory Evolution, Incentive Mechanisms, and Continuity Indicators.
• Traditional Public MV and LV Passive Distribution Networks: International and National Overview on Structures and Operating Criteria.

2. Generalized Method for Short-Circuit Current Calculation in Power Networks

• Variable transformations used in Power System studies: Symmetrical Components Transformation (SC).
• Introduction to the general analytical method for short-circuit current calculation and analysis methodology.
• Symmetrical faults and definition of short-circuit powers, strong/weak nodes, electrically close and remote nodes.
• Asymmetrical faults: Phase-to-Ground Fault (PGF).

3. Neutral Grounding in MV Distribution Networks

• Neutral Grounding Methods.
• Influence of Neutral Grounding on PGF conditions.
• Directional Earth Fault Protection against PGF (ANSI CODE: 67N).

• Standards of Distribution Network Protection Systems: A1, A2, and A3 according to e-distribuzione SpA.
• Protections in Primary Substations (HV/MV) and along the feeders (Distribution Hubs): Automatic Reclosing Device (DRA); Overcurrent Protections (ANSI CODE: 51); Directional Earth Fault Protection (ANSI CODE: 67N).
• Selectivity and related protection thresholds.
• Introduction of Remote Control and Automation in Italian Distribution Networks.
• Automatic Faulted Line Section Isolation in MV Networks through Remote Terminal Units: first automation techniques implemented in Enel  Distribuzione's Networks (according to document DK 4517, 2002).
• Examples of fault selection with early automation techniques: FRG, FNC, FRG on lines with Reclosers, and “Fast FNC”.
• Evolution trends in Distribution Network Automation.

5. “Traditional” Primary Substation and Digitalization for Smart Grids Implementation

• Primary Substation – A2 Standard Protection Architecture (line protection panels, "DAN", AVR for On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC), transformer   protection  panels, active line protections).
• Structures, Components, and Basic Protections for HV and MV sections.
• Transition to A3 Standard Protection Architecture.
• Smart Grid Logic: RES integration and service quality improvement.
• Distribution Network Digitalization: Primary and Secondary Substations.
• In Primary Substation – A3 Protection Architecture
• Digital RTU (TPT2020).
• Protection and Control Panels (DV7203 and DV7500).
• IEC 61850 Protocol.
• Protection architecture schemes.
• TPT2020 and communication with the SCADA of the Telecontrol System for MV networks (STM).
• Distribution Management System (DMS) – STM server.
• In Secondary Substation - Structure, Components, Connection Rules for Active and Passive MV Users (CEI 0-16 Standard)
• IED 61850: RGDM Protection, DV7300 Panel, CCI – Central Plant Controller for producers (see Annexes O and T of CEI 0-16).
• Secondary Substation RTUs: UP2008 and UP2015 models (IEC 60870-5-104 protocol).
• RGDM as "61850 server" and automation evolution.
• Concept of "Extended Primary Substation" and “always-on” communication.
• 61850 Client in Secondary Substations: UP2020.
• 61850 Client in Primary Substations: TPT2020.

6. Voltage Regulation Criteria in Traditional MV and LV Distribution Networks Introduced by Enel Distribuzione SpA

• Traditional criteria described in “ENEL DK 4455” (March 1993).
• Inapplicability of traditional criteria in presence of Distributed Generation in Smart Grid perspective.

7. Distributed Generation and its Impact on Distribution Network Operation

• Overview of main technical challenges requiring the evolution toward Smart Grids.

8. Advanced Voltage Regulation Criteria in emerging Distribution Networks Operated by e-distribuzione SpA

• REGV-1: advanced regulation applied to the OLTC of HV/MV transformer's section.
• REGV-2: advanced regulation applied to the OLTC of HV/MV transformer's section, integrated with activation of Users local voltage control.

9. Advanced Protection, Remote Control, and Automation in Smart Distribution Networks

• General Architectures for Advanced Automation Techniques in e-distribuzione's Networks.
• Types of smart automation:
• Fault Selective Logic (FSL).
• Smart Fault Selection (SFS).
• ARERA Regulatory Experiment (SFS within 5 s): Self-Healing Automation (SHA).
• Evolution of ARERA Regulatory Experiment: from SHA to SHA-fast (within 1 s).

1.   “Smart Grids: Fundamentals and Technologies in Electric Power Systems of the Future”, Authors: Bernd M. Buchholz, Zbigniew A. Styczynski (Germany). Publisher: Springer (2nd edition, 2021).

2.   “Power System Analysis and Design”, Authors: J.D. Glover, T.J. Overbye, A.B. Sarma, A.B. Birchfield. Publisher: Cengage, U.S.A. (7th edition, 2022).

3.   “Electric Power Systems”, Vol. I e II. Author: Roberto Marconato. Publisher: CEI (Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano), Italy (2nd Edition).

4.   Teaching material provided by the teacher (in Italian and English).

5.   CEI, CENELEC and IEC Standards (in Italian and 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.