Robust Distribution System State Estimation for Grid Visibility and Resiliency with High Penetration of DERs: Roles, Challenges and Use Cases

With the increasing penetration of DERs, responsive loads, and microgrids, the development of a reliable and resilient power distribution system has become one of the main research topics. However, the stochastic nature of these new active resources along with the insufficient sensing, communication, and management capabilities of existing legacy distribution systems bring serious challenges for their planning, monitoring, operation, and control. In fact, current power distribution systems have very limited visibility beyond the HV/MV substations and the primary feeders. As a result, the utility planners and operators have to rely mainly on historical data and the limited system information and sensing to make operational decisions. Although there is a trend in using the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) information that is currently being deployed to improve system situational awareness, the meter readings are mainly for billing, load management or for energy consumption displays in homes. Furthermore, due to the lack of system observability, the grid operator is unable to monitor the security posture of the growing numbers of smart PV inverters/DGs/flexible loads owned and operated at many consumer and utility locations. To achieve a certain level of reliability and fast restoration, especially for the critical loads, when the system is subject to normal outages as well as low-probability but high-impact events such as ice storms, hurricanes, and flooding, to cite a few, system situational awareness enabled by advanced sensors along with DSSE-based fast and reliable control actions are needed. This panel aims to discuss thoroughly the roles, challenges, and use cases of DSSE in enhancing the grid situational awareness and resiliency. Practical experiences on DSSE implementations will be shared.