Grid-edge Control: The Path to New Energy Integration in the Age of Digital Transformation

Introduction

In the thriving era of new energy, the power system is undergoing a profound transformation. Distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pumps (HPs) are integrating into our energy systems at an unprecedented pace. However, the integration of these energies is not without challenges; their intermittency, uncertainty, and fusion with traditional power grids pose new demands on the stable operation of the power grid. Against this backdrop, grid-edge control has emerged as a key technology to address these issues. This article will delve into the connotations, challenges, opportunities, and future development trends of grid-edge control.

1.The Connotation of Grid-edge Control

Grid-edge control, as the name suggests, refers to the control and management of distributed energy resources at the edge of the power grid, specifically in low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks. It leverages advanced digital technologies, such as sensors, smart meters, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to achieve real-time monitoring and precise control of grid-edge devices. Its core objective is to coordinate the control system of the power grid with the autonomous control of distributed energy resources, ensuring the stable operation of the power grid and the efficient utilization of energy resources.Grid-edge control, as the name suggests, refers to the control and management of distributed energy resources at the edge of the power grid, specifically in low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks. It leverages advanced digital technologies, such as sensors, smart meters, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to achieve real-time monitoring and precise control of grid-edge devices. Its core objective is to coordinate the control system of the power grid with the autonomous control of distributed energy resources, ensuring the stable operation of the power grid and the efficient utilization of energy resources.

2. Challenges Faced by Grid-edge Control

(i) The Dilemma of Supply and Demand Balance

The power generation characteristics of distributed energy resources are highly uncertain. For instance, the power output of solar photovoltaics is greatly influenced by weather conditions, sometimes abundant and sometimes scarce. This imbalance between supply and demand poses a significant challenge to the real-time dispatch of the power grid. How to reasonably consume electricity when photovoltaic power generation is abundant, avoiding excessively high voltage; and how to timely supplement electricity when photovoltaic power generation is insufficient, meeting user demands, are key issues that grid-edge control needs to address.

(ii) Power Quality Issues

The integration of distributed energy resources, especially photovoltaic and wind power generation, due to the nonlinear characteristics of their power electronic interfaces, is prone to generating current harmonics, which in turn cause voltage harmonics and total harmonic distortion (THD). Moreover, the use of a large number of electric vehicles and heat pumps can also lead to voltage fluctuations, voltage imbalances, and other power quality issues. These power quality issues not only affect users' normal electricity usage but may also damage power grid equipment, reducing the efficiency and reliability of the power grid's operation.

(iii) The Risk of Network Congestion

With the continuous increase in the ownership of electric vehicles, their charging power is also rising year by year. When a large number of electric vehicles charge simultaneously, especially when combined with the operation of other high-power equipment such as heat pumps, it can easily lead to transformer overload and cause network congestion. This congestion phenomenon is particularly evident in winter, as the use of heating equipment like heat pumps increases significantly, coinciding with the peak charging times of electric vehicles, putting immense pressure on the stable operation of the power grid.

(iv) System Stability Test

Distributed energy resources are connected to the power grid through power electronic devices. Although these devices can flexibly control power output and voltage values, they also bring problems such as harmonics and low inertia. Traditional synchronous generators have mechanical inertia, which can provide a rapid inertia response when the system frequency is unstable. In contrast, distributed energy resources based on power electronics lack this inertia. With the increasing proportion of distributed energy resources, the inertia of the power grid gradually decreases, and the stability of the system frequency faces severe challenges.

(v) The Need for Regulatory Framework Change

The widespread integration of distributed energy resources has fundamentally changed the operation mode and business model of the power system. Traditional power system planning and operation modes, as well as the business model of distribution system operators (DSOs), were designed based on centralized power generation and passive distribution networks. Now, facing the active and decentralized characteristics of distributed energy resources, these models are no longer applicable. DSOs need to adjust their planning and operation procedures to actively manage the power grid, and at the same time, the regulatory framework also needs to change accordingly to adapt to the new market environment and technological development.

3. Opportunities for Grid-edge Control

(i) Improve Power Grid Operation Efficiency

Through grid-edge control, precise dispatch and optimized management of distributed energy resources can be achieved, reducing power grid losses and improving energy utilization efficiency. For example, when photovoltaic power generation is abundant, the excess electricity can be stored, or demand response and other measures can be used to guide users to use electricity at times when the electricity price is lower, thereby achieving a reasonable allocation and efficient use of energy resources.

(ii) Enhance Power Grid Stability

Grid-edge control can monitor and regulate the voltage, frequency, and other parameters of the power grid in real time, promptly detect and handle abnormal situations in the power grid, and effectively improve the stability of the power grid. For example, when the power grid experiences voltage fluctuations, the output power of distributed energy resources can be controlled, or the charging and discharging state of energy storage devices can be adjusted to quickly stabilize the power grid voltage and ensure the normal operation of the power grid.

(iii) Promote New Energy Consumption

Grid-edge control provides a more flexible and convenient way for the integration of distributed energy resources, which helps to increase the proportion of new energy consumption. Through reasonable control strategies, the power generation of distributed energy resources can be matched with the power demand of the power grid, reducing the phenomenon of wind and light abandonment, promoting the full utilization of new energy, and promoting the optimization and upgrading of the energy structure.

(iv) Promote Digital Transformation

Grid-edge control is an important part of the digital transformation of the power system. It relies on advanced digital technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to achieve intelligent perception, analysis, and control of grid-edge devices. This not only improves the efficiency and stability of the power grid but also lays a solid foundation for the intelligent and automated development of the power system, promoting the digital transformation of the entire energy industry.

4. Future Development Trends of Grid-edge Control

(i) Optimization of Control Architecture

The future grid-edge control will pay more attention to the optimization of the control architecture. On the one hand, traditional centralized control will gradually shift to distributed control and decentralized control to improve the reliability and scalability of the system; on the other hand, hierarchical control architecture will also be further developed. Through the coordination of different levels, refined management and efficient control of the power grid can be achieved.

(ii) Deep Integration of Data-driven and Machine Learning

With the continuous increase of data volume, data-driven and machine learning technologies will play an increasingly important role in grid-edge control. By analyzing a large amount of historical data and real-time data, the operating state of the power grid and the power generation of distributed energy resources can be predicted more accurately, thereby formulating more scientific and reasonable control strategies to improve the efficiency and stability of the power grid.

(iii) Strengthening of Security and Privacy Protection

In the process of digital transformation, grid-edge control faces challenges in network security and privacy protection. In the future, there will be a greater emphasis on the security protection of control systems, using advanced encryption technologies and access control strategies to prevent hacker attacks and data leaks, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid and the privacy security of user data.

(iv) Deepening of Cross-field Cooperation

The development of grid-edge control requires close cooperation between the power system, information technology, communication technology, and other fields. Through cross-field technology integration and resource sharing, continuous innovation and breakthroughs in grid-edge control technology can be achieved, promoting the intelligent and efficient development of the power system and providing strong support for the sustainable development of energy.

5. About Pilot Technology

Zhuhai?Pilot Technology, we are a global leader in smart energy solutions, dedicated to advancing the future of sustainable energy. Our main product lines include advanced?Monitoring Devices, cutting-edge?Battery Energy Storage Systems, and innovative?EV Charging Stations. With a professional R&D team and numerous technology patents, we are committed to delivering high-quality, efficient, and reliable products to meet the diverse needs of our clients worldwide. Whether you're looking for residential, commercial, or utility-scale solutions, Pilot Technology is your trusted partner in building a smarter, greener energy future.

6. Conclusion

Grid-edge control, as a key technology to address the challenges of distributed energy resource integration, is gradually becoming an important direction for the development of the power system. It can not only improve the efficiency and stability of the power grid but also promote the consumption of new energy and the digital transformation of the power system. However, the development of grid-edge control still faces many challenges, and we need to continuously explore and innovate in aspects such as control architecture, data application, and security protection. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the deepening of cooperation, grid-edge control will surely usher in a broader development prospect, providing strong support for building a clean, efficient, and reliable energy system.