In the quest for a greener, more resilient energy future, researchers have made a significant stride in addressing one of the key challenges of local energy systems (LES): integrating high levels of distributed energy resources (DERs) and managing peak loads, such as those from electric vehicles (EVs). A recent study, led by Xuefei Zhang from the State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology at Chongqing University in China, proposes a novel solution that could revolutionize the way we manage local energy systems.
The study, published in the English-language journal *International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems*, introduces a flexible interconnection support device that could dramatically improve the efficiency and reliability of LES. This device, which accounts for only 2% of the transmitted power, is designed to mitigate voltage deviations—both undervoltage and overvoltage—that often occur due to the increasing penetration of DERs and peak loads.
“Our device leads to a flexible construction of LES and improves the power supply quality for extreme loads,” Zhang explained. “By optimizing the transmitted power of the device using a genetic algorithm, we can significantly reduce the total line losses of the system.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As communities worldwide strive to achieve carbon neutrality, the integration of large-scale DERs and the management of peak loads from EVs become increasingly critical. The flexible interconnection support device proposed by Zhang and his team could play a pivotal role in this transition.
“Our results confirm that the proposed flexible interconnection devices can significantly improve the voltage deviation problem of LES under high-power load changes, such as EVs, improve the penetration of large-scale DERs, and reduce the line losses of the system,” Zhang added.
The study’s findings suggest that this innovative device could shape the future of local energy systems, making them more efficient, reliable, and capable of supporting the growing demand for clean energy. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such advancements will be crucial in achieving a sustainable and resilient energy future.
The research not only highlights the potential of flexible interconnection support devices but also underscores the importance of ongoing innovation in the field of energy systems. As we move towards a low-carbon future, the integration of advanced technologies like this will be essential in meeting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.