Studies of co-simulation of power and communication networks for the analysis of future distribution networks

• Grant number: 17/03271-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2017
• End date: April 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Power Systems
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli
• Grantee: Rodrigo Santos Bonadia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Over the last years, power distribution networks have been experiencing significant infrastructural changes. Among these changes are the installation of smart meters, the connection of electric vehicles as loads, and the integration of several distributed generation technologies, such as renewable energy sources. Because of the technical impacts and opportunities that these changes create, this new scenario may potentially require improved control and manage practices. The integration of communication infrastructure to the future distribution networks will allow providing a better management of the network's resources. To define the best choice of communication technology and to take full advantage of this scenario, specialized tools for the analysis of distribution networks equipped with data communication infrastructure will become essential in the near future. In this context, this project proposes the use of a co-simulator of power and communication network to analyze the performance of whole system as well as how it may affect the efficiency of management and control actions. The co-simulator, which is the tool that will be used to conduct the proposed studies, has been developed by the research team led by the supervisor of this work since 2015. It is intended to make this tool freely available to the academic community. (AU)