Modeling techniques for decentralized energy systems applied in smart grids

Abstract

Historically, power grids have emerged as the most economical way to match diversified generation resources. After the Second World War, all advanced countries chose to develop a centralized electrical system to transport energy throughout the national territory and then distribute it to the various points of consumption. In this centralized management, production is adapted to an ever-increasing demand, driven by economic and demographic developments. Gradually, the consumption profile has changed: the development of electrical uses (particularly heating and air conditioning), leading to consumption peaks that are increasingly difficult to satisfy. The appearance of the electric vehicle reinforces these growing imbalances between supply and demand. Thus, the production profile has gradually changed: production has moved closer to the places of consumption but has become more variable, such as wind and solar energy (known as intermittent sources of energy production). In this transforming energy view, these historical centralized and unidirectional networks reach saturation and need to be modernized by turning to a decentralized model. In this perspective, the development of smart grids (SG) is taking place. This paper aims to define decentralized energy systems that provide various benefits and cause significant challenges. Finally, we propose several techniques that are highly efficient in modeling and controlling smart grid systems in order to help decision-makers to address complex problems.