How ETAP can be utilized for Predictive Analysis in Electric Distribution Systems with the presence of Distributed Generation

Power grids utilize state estimation to forecast the behavior of the power system in response to disturbances and events that may occur during operation. Incorporating non-conventional renewable energy sources into the distribution network poses a severe challenge. The ETAP Real-Time state estimation model predicts the system behavior in response to various grid events.
By Wilian Guaman, University of Cotopaxi

Incorporating Distributed Generation into the distribution system generates problems due to the variability of renewable energy sources, as well as the time, location, type, and severity of faults that may occur, among other factors. Therefore, system operators must be able to monitor, estimate, and forecast the network's state. In this case study, engineers conduct a real-time simulation of a distributed generation (DG) system using ETAP Real-Time software. This software enables the prediction of the system's behavior under various events based on real-time data.

Established in 1995, the Universidad Tecnica de Cotopaxi (Technical University of Cotopaxi, Latacunga) is a non-profit public higher education institution in Latacunga, Cotopaxi. Universidad de Cotopaxi (UTC) offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor's degrees, in various areas of study. Their electrical Smart Grid F-CIYA laboratory uses Lucas Nülle DG electrical network modeling with ETAP digital twin solutions.

Location: Technical University of Cotopaxi, Latacunga, Peru

Year: 2023

Predictive analysis of the Distributed Generation in the laboratory

Challenges

  • Build an accurate physical model of the Distributed Generation system using Lucas-Nulle training modules.
  • Build a virtual, digital model with real-time data from DG-LN.
  • Implement real-time monitoring in the digital model for this DG-LN model.
  • To study systems with and without the effects of Renewable Energy sources by using double physical and virtual electrical network models.

Which solutions did they choose for research?

Selected applications

They chose ETAP Real Time with Advanced Distribution Management System ADMS and eSCADA to obtain a flexible platform for event prediction in complex electrical power systems.

Why do they use Etap?

Main Customer Benefits

  • Building an accurate virtual model that integrates with a physical model. Engineers have access to a comprehensive range of electrical elements and an extensive database of equipment that they can utilize in their electrical network models.
  • The identification, connection, and communication of each of the measures that make up the distributed generation system in the virtual model to allow monitoring and controlling.
  • Real-time simulation by using Lucas-Nulle training modules and the ETAP model.
  • System state estimation and event prediction using the "What if" methods for monitoring and control by using scenarios for different variations of the connection of energy sources.
  • Researchers and engineers can test and validate different algorithms and results by using the ETAP RT model.
  • For the theme, a wide variety of electrical calculations utilizing an equipment database with comprehensive electrical data are available, including Unbalanced Load Flow, Switching Optimization, and DG Integration (solar, wind, and water). 
  • Possibility to develop the study on the generation management system in the future by evolving the model.

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

The network operator can use ETAP Real -Time to plan, for example, a load shading or anticipate action in the case of any contingency.
By Wilian Guaman, University of Cotopaxi

Once the Distributed Generation GDL in system and the simulation of the local distribution system in ETAP are completed, the points with the highest demand are verified and the data is captured in real time.
By Gonzalo Fernando López, University of Cotopaxi



Videos

Predictive Analysis in Electric Distribution Systems with presence of Distributed Generation

Incorporating Distributed Generation (DG) into distribution systems poses challenges due to the variability of renewable sources and fault occurrences, necessitating real-time monitoring and forecasting. Using ETAP-RT software, this study simulates a DG system's real-time behavior, including four events like grid contingencies and DG integration, offering insights for network planning and operation.


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