Sessions

Abstract: Installation and connection of battery energy storage systems (BESS), is growing enormously because of multiple benefits they could bring to utilities and consumers. These inverter-based systems exhibit fast dynamics response to disturbances and could change the power system behavior especially in high penetration distributed energy resource (DER) areas. By developing an EMTP-RV model of the BESS and power distribution system, a range of connection impacts can be identified and assessed based on time domain analysis. Major studies include the BESS short circuit current contribution, momentary interruption, reactive support and voltage control, transient overvoltage (including ground transformer performance testing), real power (charge/discharge) ramp up/down, reactive power ramp up/down and power quality analysis (flicker and harmonic studies). In this presentation, a Detailed Technical Connection Impact Assessment (DTCIA) of a 3.2MW/6.4MWh behind-the-meter (BTM) utility scale BESS, located in Niagara region will be discussed and results will be analyzed. Discussion includes all required studies to be done to permit BESS connecting to point of connection (POC) and how to perform the study by choosing right platform, modeling, study procedure and interpretation methodology. The Studied BESS system was due to start operation in May 2020.

The future of energy in Texas and the US is one of carbon-free promise, but numerous challenges face us in designing and operating an electrical system to meet the growing demand for power while ensuring resiliency, reliability, and security. How do we manage these challenges within a changing regulatory regime and with an evolving threat environment? Deepa Poduval, Vice President & Global Advisory Leader at Black & Veatch kicks off the Leadership Summit with a short introduction. Following his remarks will be a conversation with former US Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, Massoud Amin, professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, and Julia Matevosyan, Chief Engineer at ESIG Energy. This give-and-take discussion will offer a candid assessment of the policy, technology, and cybersecurity issues that are crucial to the bulk power system’s future.

Much of the attention and interest with energy storage has focused on the ability to firm capacity for solar generation (and to a lesser extend, wind generation) but energy storage can mimic and even outperform most generators in a variety of ways. This presentation will provide a brief overview of solar coupled and standalone energy storage system architectures before focusing on how storage systems can provide performance capabilities including: - Fast frequency response - full load response times under 250ms - Peaking capacity - both front and behind the meter applications - Islanding and grid forming - ability to support loads in the event of an outage with a seamless transition - Black-start - supporting restoration of power after a partial or total outage - Reliability - distributed design to provide high levels of reliability and availability for the generation facility - Reactive power support - the use of power electronics allows the battery energy storage system to function as a STATCOM when not in use as a BESS. And some battery-side design considerations require additional power electronics to be included in the system, allowing for a much wider power factor during charge and discharge than is required. Case studies will be provided using Mitsubishi Electric projects (solar coupled and standalone) which are operational in multiple ISOs, including our project in ERCOT which was operational throughout the 2021 winter storm and demonstrates storage's ability to provide energy and ancillary services in cold and hot extremes. And if POWERGEN sees benefit in showing the overlap with the distribution market (given the co-location with DistribuTECH) the case studies can be extended into our systems being used for distribution equipment deferral. Finally, the presentation will present the future for storage in renewable coupled and standalone applications with and without an investment tax credit (will be updated based on status of the legislation and our work with the bill sponsors).

Sponsored by Gridmatic: In applying AI to optimize storage participation in wholesale markets, Gridmatic developed insights into the financial performance of storage systems. This talk will present 2021 results for all storage systems in ERCOT that will be of interest to various stakeholders such as asset operators (IPPs, Utilities, Power Marketers), financial investors, and developers. These insights, described within two scenarios - actual performance and potential (AI-powered) performance - uncover the profitability gap inherent in current approaches to market participation.

Heads of companies and thought leaders discuss specific challenges they have to meet their decarbonization goals or those set by government agencies, and how R&D can help individual companies and industries. The panel would focus on specific challenges and opportunities industries are facing, on electrification and its limits, and on specific measures/technologies needed.

Take 5 for a drink and a quick chat at our cantina receptions located throughout the exhibit hall.

Networking Bar Locations:

Company	Booth Name
Black & Veatch	4811
PTMW	3745
Power Plant Services	6146
Qualus Power Services	3827
Maddox	4245
Blue Wolf Performance Solutions	4516

Initiate is the hub at DISTRIBUTECH to hear about new technology, innovation, and up and coming talent in the energy sector. There will be 25 amazing startup companies pitching for a chance to win an award from Duke Energy and Clarion Energy Events. Stop by booth #3755 on the POWERGEN side to hear pitches and content centered around energy innovation.

The always complicated process forced upon developers and builders of new projects for the energy sector gets more challenging and problematic every year. Financial constraints, technology, and connectivity needs, regulatory hurdles, political pressures, and, last but not least, environmental goals and challenges are not always in alignment, so utilities and their partners have hard rows to hoe in bringing those together. A significant part of our build strategy is now planning for weather-related challenges with hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.  How do we prepare ourselves to keep the grid and infrastructure online or restore as quickly as possible when disaster strikes?  This session will look at how both utilities, developers, and partners navigate the building and install the intelligent equipment needed for Destination 2050. 

The Initiate Hub (booth #3755) will host an invite-only mixer on Monday, May 23rd, from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This exclusive mixer will bring together startup companies and utility innovation managers for an informal hour of networking and connecting.

Join your colleagues for a drink on the exhibit floor! Thanks to our sponsors there will be bars available throughout the exhibit hall located at each sponsor's booth.

Networking Bar Locations:

Company	Booth Number
UBC Millwrights	5117
WEG Electric Motors	5025
S T Cotter Turbine Services Inc.	4139
Industronic Inc	4333
Tuff Tube Transition	4765