IEEE Power & Energy Magazine - July/August 2019 - 82

Performance Index

Grid analytics will become even more important and allow
electric utilities to better understand the key drivers of system
performance while implementing preventive and prescriptive
solutions to improve efficiency, reliability, safety, security,

C
HC 2
B
HC 1
A

Amount of DERs
C: DERs of Any Capacity in This Region Are Not
Allowed, Regardless of Location
Maximum HC
B: Some Capacities (Amounts) of DERs in
This Region Are Acceptable to Specific Locations
Minimum HC
A: All Capacities (Amounts) of DERs in
This Region Are Acceptable, Regardless of Location

figure 4. The HC according to limit. (Source: Cho et al.)

and resilience. Different types of grid analytics may be implemented by using data provided by IEDs, sensors, smart meters,
and smart system components, as shown in Figure 6.
BPS planning and operation processes will be able to
identify DERs' reliability impact from its interconnection
request through implementation and commissioning, culminating with normal operation. It is foreseeable that the
reliability impact of DERs could be locational and operational condition based. The intermittent nature of renewable DERs will also be centered in this reliability matrix.
For example, PJM and CAISO have integrated distributed
solar into the long-term load forecast. PJM also has a realtime wind and solar forecast, and DR/DERs have been
integrated into postcontingency, local-load relief warning
procedures. To better address resource adequacy and performance, it is recommended to 1) expand the use of probabilistic approaches to further develop resource-adequacy
measures reflecting variability and overall reliability characteristics of the resources and composite loads, including
nonpeak system conditions, and 2) improve load forecasting that considers behind-the-meter resources, generator
modeling, and coordination between BPSs and distribution
system planners and operators. This is best done by analyzing necessary data requirements to ensure that there is
sufficient detail on the capability and performance of the
BP because it is impacted by DERs.
Eventually, the industry may need to implement a grid
management system (GMS) that deals with the whole grid,
from transmission to distribution and the individual customer. This may be the only way to avoid gaps in coverage at
the seams between T&D and distribution and the customer.
The GMS may also have to bridge the gap between market
economics and the physical grid.

The Importance of
Interoperability
When Is DG HC Expected to Be Reached?

54%

(%)

40
28%

30
20

13%
10
0

5%
HC Already
Reached

HC Will Be
Reached Within
Ten Years

HC Will Be
Reached Within
15 Years

HC Limit Is Not
Foreseen to Be
Reached

figure 5. Survey results of opinions from more than 100 distribution system operators in 23 countries about when they expect to meet their HC limits. DG: distributed
generation. (Source: S.M. Ismael et al.)
82

ieee power & energy magazine

Interoperability will play a key
role in the future power system,
which is expected to consist of a
hybrid energy system with a mix
of traditional synchronous generation, IBRs, DERs, energy storage,
microgrids, and dynamic/active
distribution grids with conventional and new loads (e.g., EVs).
The IEEE is playing an important
role in developing standards that
help ensure the interoperability of
system components. For instance
✔ The IEEE P2030, Smart
Grid Interoperability Guide,
has provided a philosophical reference (data map) for
interoperability data sources
and communication.
july/august 2019

IEEE Power & Energy Magazine - July/August 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Power & Energy Magazine - July/August 2019