Grid Integration of Distributed Energy Resources: Aggregate Flexibility Quantification and Market Participation

Abstract: The electric power system is undergoing a rapid and deep decarbonization with the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. The heightened penetration level of renewables in the form of distributed energy resources (DERs) underscore their growing significance as providers of grid services. Being small-scale and distributed in nature, these devices will need to be effectively aggregated before integrating in the wholesale electric market and providing grid services. Navigating the inherent stochasticity is one of the major challenges in designing effective aggregation strategies for DERs. In this talk, several major challenges of effective DER aggregation/integration will be discussed, along with some proposed methods to address them. In particular, we will present some decision-making models and algorithms for the characterization and improvement of the aggregate flexibility regions of aggregate DERs, as well as the development of their market participation strategies under uncertainty.

Bio:  Dr. Bai Cui is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. Dr. Cui’s research focuses on the application of control and optimization techniques in power and energy systems to improve system security, economic efficiency, and sustainability, and in developing new analytical tools for renewable energy integration, power system optimization, and stability analysis of large-scale power systems. Prior to joining ISU, he was a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a postdoctoral appointee at Argonne National Laboratory. He obtained his PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

***Event will take place in hybrid format. The location for in-person attendance will be room 1500 EECS.   Attendance will also be possible via Zoom. The Zoom link and password will be distributed to the Controls Group e-mail list-serv.

To join this list-serv, please send an (empty) email message to [email protected] with the word “subscribe” in the subject line. To cancel your subscription, send an (empty) email to  [email protected] with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject line.  Zoom information is also available upon request to Shelly Feldkamp at [email protected].