Analyzing at-scale distribution grid response to extreme temperatures. (1st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanif, Sarmad; Mukherjee, Monish; Poudel, Shiva; Yu, Min Gyung; Jinsiwale, Rohit A.; Hardy, Trevor D.; Reeve, Hayden M.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 337(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01
• Subjects: Distribution grids -- Extreme temperatures -- Resilience event -- Electrification -- Distributed energy resources; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Abstract: Threats against power grids continue to increase, as extreme weather conditions and natural disasters (extreme events) become more frequent. Hence, there is a need for the simulation and modeling of power grids to reflect realistic conditions during extreme events conditions, especially distribution systems. This paper presents a modeling and simulation platform for electric distribution grids which can estimate overall power demand during extreme weather conditions. The presented platform's efficacy is shown by demonstrating estimation of electrical demand for (1) Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) during winter storm Uri in 2021, and (2) alternative hypothetical scenarios of integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), weatherization, and load electrification. In comparing to the actual demand served by ERCOT during the winter storm Uri of 2021, the proposed platform estimates approximately 34 GW of peak capacity deficit. 1 For the case of the future electrification of heating loads, peak capacity of 78 GW (124% increase) is estimated, which would be reduced to 47 GW (38% increase) with the adoption of efficient heating appliances and improved thermal insulation. Integrating distributed solar PV and storage into the grid causes improvement in the local energy utilization and hence reduces the potential unmet energy by 31% and 40%, respectively. Highlights: Modeling and simulation platform to estimate power demand during extreme weather conditions. Demonstration of the platform on 2021 winter storm Uri conditions. 34 GW of peak capacity deficit estimated for the current Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid. 78 GW peak capacity deficit for load electrification, reduced to 47 GW with technology efficiency Integrating distributed solar PV and storage reduces the potential unmet energy by 31% and 40%, respectively.