Benchmarking Integrated FACTS and Modern Energy Storage Systems

Missouri University Of Science And Technology, Rolla MO

Investigators

Abstract

The electric power system is one of our nation's critical infrastructures. Interruptions create enormous economic and social impact. Momentary outages and voltage sags alone account for $25-400 billion/year in the US. When coupled with FACTS technology, modern energy storage systems (ESS), such as batteries, flywheels, SMES, and super-capacitors, can improve stability, power quality, and the reliability of power systems. Many power system problems can be impacted more effectively by utilizing active power control. Integrating energy storage system into FACTS devices can provide dynamic decentralized active power capabilities and give transmission service providers much needed flexibility for mitigating transmission level power flow problems and lead to more economical power delivery, better power quality, and improved reliability. This project will develop a scientific framework to guide the technical decision-making process of when, where, and how to integrate FACTS/ESS into the bulk power to alleviate dynamic perturbations and improve transmission congestion and loop flows. This work will generate benchmark systems for three energy storage technologies (battery, SMES, and super-capacitors), and develop a modular benchmark power grid model for evaluating ESS performance. This study will culminate in a comprehensive set of guidelines and metrics for the implementation of FACTS/ESS in power systems. The intellectual merits and tangible outcomes of this research include the development of theoretical understanding of power system responses to dynamic active power injection/absorption, a comprehensive characterization of the primary energy storage technologies with the corresponding power electronic interfaces, and a comparison of the different FACTS/ESS with respect to typical applications.