ESTA International participated of the Panel "Decentralization of Power Generation: The New Paradigm" at IEEE ISGT for Latin America in San Juan PR November 8, 2023.
Abstract
With increasing levels of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) the electric power system is undergoing a sea change. The conventional grid operational practices based on centralized control are inadequate to deal with myriads of active grid-edge devices. Several operational constructs that traditionally have been exercised in a top-down fashion result in unsatisfactory results under the emerging power system paradigm. For example, the conventional load forecasting methods starting from forecasting the load in a zone and using distribution factors determined by State Estimator application are no longer adequate since bus loads are no longer conforming due to variability of distributed renewable resources such as distributed solar generation. Bottom up forecasting starting from the grid edge working up to the T&D interface substations prove more effective. Inclusion of DERs in the black start and energy power restoration planning process is another example of the capabilities for leveraging grid edge assets and microgrids to enhance grid reliability and resilience. In the emerging electric power system, a combination of hierarchical information exchange and decentralized decision making is a promising paradigm shift for grid operation. This panel session will address power system operational issues associated with increasing levels of distributed generation, as well as how a combination of incentive-based measures and decentralized decision making can turn around the problem into a solution for enhanced grid reliability, resilience, and economics.
Updated: Nov 7, 2023
Reza comes to ESTA after 32 years at Austin Energy where he served in various capacities related to real time operations for EMS and Generation Management Systems. His experience also includes ERCOT operating guides, market protocols, system modelling, Texas Senate Bill 398 implementation, and deep knowledge of industry vendor product offerings. Prior to Austin Energy, he worked for ABB (now Hitachi Energy) and Harris Controls (now GE). His industry activities include membership in the DistribuTECH Technical Advisory Committee and executive board member of the Energy Management and Market Operation Systems (EMMOS) group. His presence on the ESTA Team will further enhance ESTA’s expertise in Generation Management Systems, Transmission Management Systems, DERMS, electricity market operations, Historian products and more.
Updated: Nov 2, 2023
Mr. Rick Saffarpour is an accomplished electrical engineer with over 21 years of experience specializing in the design, planning, and optimization of electric power distribution systems.
Rick has successfully led complex projects and worked with diverse teams to develop customized electrical engineering software for distribution system planning and analysis.
His expertise extends to evaluating system requirements, identifying potential challenges, and proposing effective solutions.