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A microgrid (MG) is always prone to the uncertainties of its demand variation and the generation of its non-dispatchable renewable sources when operating in islanded mode. Such variation events can lead to the voltage or frequency (VF) violation in the MG. However, there are some techniques available in the literature that can predict these events a few minutes ahead. Using such techniques, the VF violation can also be predicted and prevented with the introduction of a suitable preventive controller. Hence, this paper proposes a look-ahead controller that uses the short-horizon prediction data of demand and renewable generation to determine any prospective VF violation. If a violation is predicted, the proposed technique will aim to define the most optimal generation level of dispatchable sources, the MG's best network configuration and the engagement level of the supportive actions, such as exchanging power with neighboring microgrids, utilizing energy storages, a demand response and renewable energy curtailment (if and when available). The technical, reliability and environmental aspects of the MG are considered within the proposed technique along with the operational cost. The determined optimal control variables are then sent to the local controllers to apply the proper arrangements in the system to retain the VF within the desired range. The performance of the developed technique is validated through extensive numerical analyses in MATLAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of modern power system development to support the evolution towards green energy and carbon-neutral emission goals, many existing problems and even challenges demand new technical solutions. In recent years, decentralized blockchain technology has been employed to address some problems in power systems, and many papers have been published. In this paper, the concept of blockchain is first introduced. A brief survey of the existing publications regarding the applications of blockchain in power systems, including power system dispatching, microgrid operation, energy trading, electricity trading settlement, transmission, and distribution system operation, is then carried out. In addition, several application scenarios of blockchain technology in power systems are also introduced. Through the discussion, we found that we still need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages, overcome its leakage, and bring its value into play if we apply blockchain technology in modern power systems in support of zero carbon goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-intensive utilization of distributed generators (DGs) and smart devices, distribution networks are evolving from a hierarchal structure to a distributed structure, which imposes significant challenges to network operators in system dispatch. A distributed energy-management method for a networked microgrid (NM) is proposed to coordinate a large number of DGs for maintaining secure and economic operations in the electricity-market environment. A second-order conic programming model is used to formulate the energy-management problem of an NM. Network decomposition was first carried out, and then a distributed solution for the established optimization model through invoking alternating-direction method of multipliers (ADMM). A modified IEEE 33-bus power system was finally utilized to demonstrate the performance of distributed energy management in an NM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]