SOLUTIONS

DERMS for Distribution Utilities

Providing solutions to mitigate grid congestion by controlling distributed energy resources (DER) connected to the power grid

Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) monitor and control Distributed Energy Resource (DER), such as photovoltaic (PV) systems and storage batteries connected to the power grid, in real-time. This enables the mitigation of grid congestion without the need for physical grid reinforcement.

Traditionallythe main way to mitigate congestion is to reinforce the grid. However, this approach faces challenges such as construction periods spanning several years and high equipment and construction costs. Since grid congestion only occurs for a short period of time each year, DERMS enables flexible congestion management without large-scale investment by controlling DER only when congestion occurs.

System functions/features

1. Forecasting congestion with speed and accuracy

  • Forecasts consumers’ consumption and output of all DER using machine learning and statistical methods based on meteorological and locational data, smart meter readings, and grid measurements.
  • Identifies congestion locations, periods, and amounts by calculating power flow from these forecasts and grid network information.
  • Executes processes in parallel on a distributed processing architecture to ensure high-speed calculations even for large-scale grids.
  • Performs re-forecasting immediately prior to control execution to appropriately correct the control amount.

2. Calculating optimal amount of control considering grid constraints and price

  • Calculates the controlled DER and its control amount to achieve minimal total cost based on assumed congestion and DER price information.
  • Supports the evaluation of optimal congestion mitigation measures by providing quantitative comparisons between grid reinforcement costs and DER control costs.

3. Usability improvement

  • Provides a solution for displaying and editing power grids and DERs on a map, allowing users to intuitively check and edit information.
  • Enables DER providers to check information (control period and amount, etc.) on the DERs they own in real-time.
  • Operates on any standard web browser without the need for dedicated software, making the product available on the device of choice for both DER providers and utilities.

4. Acquisition of UK-based Smarter Grid Solutions Limited (SGS) and its advanced DERMS technology

  • Mitsubishi Electric and its U.S. subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI, based in Pennsylvania), have acqired all shares of UK-based Smarter Grid Solutions Limited (SGS).
  • SGS is a pioneer in numerous DERMS demonstrations in the UK and North America, with core strengths in real-time control technology for distributed resources.
  • By integrating Mitsubishi Electric’s track record in Japan, MEPPI’s customer base, and SGS’s advanced DERMS technology proven in Europe and North America, we aim to become a leader in the global DERMS market.