Improving renewables integration in distribution networks through real-time inertia estimation and optimal management of energy community resources

The thesis explores two critical aspects of renewable energy sources (RES) integration in power systems: inertia estimation in systems with many Converter-Interfaced Sources (CISs) from RES and the management of the controllable resources of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). Unlike traditional rotating generators, CISs lack physical inertia, requiring advanced Primary Frequency Control (PFC) approaches. A two-stage online inertia estimation method is proposed, combining optimization-based PFC parameter identification with regression-based inertia estimation. RECs are a recent means introduced in Europe to promote energy production by RES and local self-consumption. A comprehensive review of the European Union’s REC regulatory framework highlights national implementation diversities, including proximity constraints, rated power limitations, and energy-sharing methods. An Energy Management System (EMS) is proposed, integrating smart meter data collection, energy price acquisition, and a rolling-horizon optimization procedure to minimize energy procurement costs. The EMS incorporates load and Photovoltaic (PV) production forecast and can be suitably adapted to account for the above-mentioned diversities. Within this context, incentive-based and four-price market models are introduced for cost minimization, compliant with national REC regulations. The impact of new asset installations, such as PV systems and Battery Energy Storage (BES), is assessed using standard load profiles obtained from measurement campaigns. The research aimed at contributing valuable insights into the advancing landscape of power systems with substantial RES integration. In this respect, the two-stage online inertia estimation process has been proved to provide accurate inertia values by using an OPAL-RT real-time simulator and the IEEE 39-bus network model, under diverse operational scenarios including CISs presence. Finally, the proposed EMS provides practical solutions to challenges in RES management, with the EMS's adaptability to regulatory changes enhancing its potential for broader deployment in ancillary services markets.