Flexible Distribution of Energy and Storage Resources

Flexible Distribution of EneRgy and Storage Resources (FDERS) is a new framework of integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and energy storage devices. It was inspired by the V-shape formation of flocks of birds and peloton formation of cycling racing teams that extend the range of traveled distance significantly by way of composite energy savings. For example, the V-shape formation consisting of 25 birds could result in a 70% increase in the range of distance flown by them as compared with a bird flying solo. Similar ideas when applied in integrating DERs and energy storage devices offer the benefits of increased DER lifetime, optimal energy storage deployment, enhanced controllability and improved system robustness. FDERS is an enabling technology to achieve this goal through reconfiguration and the use of variable interface reactances for interconnecting multiple DERs with the utility and load. The values of interface reactances are adjusted depending on the energy resource availability, response characteristics and fuel pricing of individual DERs. This paper presents the basic concept of FDERS supported by energy savings analysis of DER formations in series and parallel configurations.