The power reliability event simulator tool (PRESTO): A novel approach to distribution system reliability analysis and applications
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The growing interest in onsite solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems (PVESS) is partially motivated by customer concerns regarding grid reliability. It is crucial to consider both the unpredictability of such events and the location-specific patterns in their timing and duration to accurately evaluate the capability of PVESS in alleviating these interruptions. We introduce the Power Reliability Event Simulation TOol (PRESTO), the first publicly-available tool that simulates location-specific power interruptions at the county level, which enables a more realistic reliability assessment. We demonstrate PRESTO's value through a case study examining PVESS backup performance during simulated short-duration power interruptions in a representative single-family home across three U.S. counties. A PVESS with 10 kWh of battery storage reliably serves essential non-heating and cooling loads, meeting an average of 93% of energy demand and fully serving loads in 84% of events, even with daily time-of-use (TOU) bill management limiting the battery's reserve. However, including heating and cooling loads reduces performance to an average of 70% of load served, with full service in only 43% of events. These findings, along with analysis on the timing, duration, and state-of-charge at the start of interruptions, highlight the challenges of addressing short-duration outages and emphasize the importance of understanding factors influencing PVESS backup performance. Our study demonstrates the practical applications of PRESTO, offering insights into potential mitigation strategies, particularly focusing on grid charging and battery size optimization.
Authors: Sunhee Baik, Juan Pablo Carvallo, Galen L. Barbose, Will Gorman, Cesca Miller, Michael Spears
Institution: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Language: English
Topic: Smart Grid Energy Management
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4405858680