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Publications

Publications by Ignacio Gil

2022

Design and Feasibility Study of Hydrogen-Based Hybrid Microgrids for LV Residential Services

Authors
Sarwar F.A.; Hernando-Gil I.; Vechiu I.; Latil S.; Baudoin S.; Gu C.;

Publication
IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe

Abstract
With the increased penetration of renewables, energy storage has become a critical issue in microgrid and small household applications. Accordingly, this paper undertakes a feasability study the varying limitations from conventional batteries in residential buildings, such as capacity-loss over time and aging, as well as the alternative application and challenges of hydrogen-based storage for the domestic sector. The paper considers a test case study where an analysis is performed on the practicality of hydrogen-based storage, in addition to lithium-ion battery storage. Various scenarios are considered based on solar installation sizes, self-consumption, battery capacity, autonomy rates and grid extraction. A detailed analysis is carried out on both thermal and electrical demands of a residential household, which also includes the energy performance and applications of heat pumps. While the obtained results from various scenarios are compared and analysed, these anticipate that the potential integration of hydrogen can improve the autonomy rate of residential buildings, The cost of hydrogen storage is expected to reduce significantly, opening opportunities for hydrogen application.

2022

Real option-based network investment assessment considering energy storage systems under long-term demand uncertainties

Authors
Cheng S.; Gu C.; Hernando-Gil I.; Li S.; Li F.;

Publication
IET Renewable Power Generation

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel real option (RO)-based network investment assessment method to quantify the flexibility value of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in distribution network planning (DNP). It applied geometric Brownian motion (GBM) to simulate the long-term load growth uncertainty. Compared with commonly used stochastic models (e.g. normal probability model) that assume a constant variance, it reflects the fact that from the point of prediction, uncertainty would increase as time elapses. Hence, it avoids the bias of traditional net present value (NPV) frameworks towards lumpy investments that cannot provide strategic flexibility relative to more flexible alternatives. It is for the first time to adopt the option pricing method to evaluate the flexibility value of distribution network planning strategies. To optimize the planning scheme, this paper compares the static NPVs and flexibility values of different investment strategies. A 33-bus system is used to verify the effectiveness of the formulated model. Results indicate that flexibility values of BESS are of utmost importance to DNP under demand growth uncertainties. It provides an analytical tool to quantify the flexibility of planning measures and evaluate the well-timed investment of BESS, thus supporting network operators to facilitate flexibility services and hedge risks from the negative impact of long-term uncertainty.

2023

PV Hosting Capacity in LV Networks by Combining Customer Voltage Sensitivity and Reliability Analysis

Authors
Mikka Kisuule; Mike Brian Ndawula; Chenghong Gu; Ignacio Hernando-Gil;

Publication
Energies

Abstract
This paper investigates voltage regulation in low voltage (LV) networks under different loading conditions of a supply network, with increased levels of distributed generation, and in particular with a diverse range of locational solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration. This topic has been researched extensively, with beneficial impacts expected up to a certain point when reverse power flows begin to negatively impact customers connected to the distribution system. In this paper, a voltage-based approach that utilizes novel voltage-based reliability indices is proposed to analyse the risk and reliability of the LV supply feeder, as well as its PV hosting capacity. The proposed indices are directly comparable to results from a probabilistic reliability assessment. The operation of the network is simulated for different PV scenarios to investigate the impacts of increased PV penetration, the location of PV on the feeder, and loading conditions of the MV supply network on the reliability results. It can be seen that all reliability indices improve with increased PV penetration levels when the supply network is heavily loaded and conversely deteriorate when the supply network is lightly loaded. Moreover, bus voltages improve when an on-load tap changer is fitted at the secondary trans-former which leads to better reliability performance as the occurrence and duration of low voltage violations are reduced in all PV scenarios. The approach in this paper is opposed to the conventional reliability assessment, which considers sustained interruptions to customers caused by failure of network components, and thus contributes to a comprehensive analysis of quality of service by considering transient events (i.e., voltage related) in the LV distribution network.

2023

Two-Stage Co-Optimization for Utility-Social Systems With Social-Aware P2P Trading

Authors
Zhao P.; Li S.; Hu P.J.H.; Cao Z.; Gu C.; Yan X.; Huo D.; Hernando-Gil I.;

Publication
IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems

Abstract
Effective utility system management is fundamental and critical for ensuring the normal activities, operations, and services in cities and urban areas. In that regard, the advanced information and communication technologies underpinning smart cities enable close linkages and coordination of different subutility systems, which is now attracting research attention. To increase operational efficiency, we propose a two-stage optimal co-management model for an integrated urban utility system comprised of water, power, gas, and heating systems, namely, integrated water-energy hubs (IWEHs). The proposed IWEH facilitates coordination between multienergy and water sectors via close energy conversion and can enhance the operational efficiency of an integrated urban utility system. In particular, we incorporate social-aware peer-to-peer (P2P) resource trading in the optimization model, in which operators of an IWEH can trade energy and water with other interconnected IWEHs. To cope with renewable generation and load uncertainties and mitigate their negative impacts, a two-stage distributionally robust optimization (DRO) is developed to capture the uncertainties, using a semidefinite programming reformulation. To demonstrate our model's effectiveness and practical values, we design representative case studies that simulate four interconnected IWEH communities. The results show that DRO is more effective than robust optimization (RO) and stochastic optimization (SO) for avoiding excessive conservativeness and rendering practical utilities, without requiring enormous data samples. This work reveals a desirable methodological approach to optimize the water-energy-social nexus for increased economic and system-usage efficiency for the entire (integrated) urban utility system. Furthermore, the proposed model incorporates social participations by citizens to engage in urban utility management for increased operation efficiency of cities and urban areas.

2024

Analysis of Long-Term Indicators in the British Balancing Market

Authors
Cheng S.; Gil I.H.; Flower I.; Gu C.; Li F.;

Publication
IEEE Transactions on Power Systems

Abstract
Proactive participation of uncertain renewable generation in the day-ahead (DA) wholesale market effectively reduces the system marginal price and carbon emissions, whilst significantly increasing the volumes of real-time balancing mechanism prices to ensure system security and stability. To solve the conflicting interests over the two timescales, this article: 1) proposes a novel hierarchical optimization model to align with the actual operation paradigms of the hierarchical market, whereby the capacity allocation matrix is adopted to coordinate the DA and balancing markets; 2) mathematically formulates and quantitatively analyses the long-term driving factors of balancing actions, enabling system operators (SOs) to design efficient and well-functioning market structures to meet economic and environmental targets; 3) empowers renewable generating units and flexible loads to participate in the balancing market (BM) as 'active' actors and enforces the non-discriminatory provision of balancing services. The performance of the proposed model is validated on a modified IEEE 39-bus power system and a reduced GB network. Results reveal that with effective resource allocation in different timescales of the hierarchical market, the drop speed of balancing costs soars while the intermittent generation climbs. The proposed methodology enables SOs to make the most of all resources available in the market and balance the system flexibly and economically. It thus safeguards the climate mitigation pathways against the risks of substantially higher balancing costs.

2024

Cyber Vulnerabilities of Energy Systems

Authors
Zhao, AP; Li, SQ; Gu, CH; Yan, XH; Hu, PJH; Wang, ZY; Xie, D; Cao, ZD; Chen, XL; Wu, CY; Luo, TY; Wang, ZK; Hernando-Gil, I;

Publication
IEEE JOURNAL OF EMERGING AND SELECTED TOPICS IN INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS

Abstract
In an era characterized by extensive use of and reliance on information and communications technology (ICT), cyber-physical power systems (CPPSs) have emerged as a critical integral of modern power infrastructures, providing vital energy sources to consumers, communities, and industries worldwide. The integration of ICT in these systems, while beneficial, introduces a rapidly evolving range of cybersecurity challenges that significantly threaten their confidentiality, integrity, and availability. To address this, our article offers a comprehensive and timely survey of the current landscape of cyber vulnerabilities in CPPS, reflecting the latest developments in the field up to the present. This includes an in-depth analysis of the diverse types of cyber threats to CPPS and their potential consequences, underscoring the necessity for a broad, multidisciplinary approach. Our review is distinguished by its thoroughness and timeliness, covering recent research to offer one of the most current overviews of cybersecurity in CPPSs. We adopt a holistic perspective, integrating technical, societal, environmental, and policy implications, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity in CPPSs. We delve into the complexities of cyberattacks, exploring sophisticated, targeted attacks alongside common threats, and emphasize the dynamic nature of cyber threats, providing insights into their evolution and future trends. Additionally, our review highlights critical yet often overlooked challenges, such as system visibility and standardization in security protocols, arguing their significance in enhancing CPPS resilience. Furthermore, our work gives special attention to the aspects of restoration and recovery postcyberattack, an area less emphasized in the existing literature. Through this comprehensive overview of the current state and evolving challenges of CPPS security, our article serves as an indispensable resource for research, practice, and policymaking dedicated to safeguarding the safety, reliability, and resilience of ICT-empowered energy systems.

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