Note: This is a virtual seminar. Please email Ben Hobbs for access to the Zoom link of the seminar. There will also be a group viewing session in Ames 302.

Title: Sequential Clearing of Network-aware Local Energy and Flexibility Markets in Community-based Grids

Abstract: In this research work, network-aware clearing algorithms for local energy markets (LEMs) and local flexibility markets (LFM) are proposed to be sequentially run and coordinate assets and flexible resources of energy communities (ECs) in distribution networks. In the proposed LEM clearing algorithm, EC managers run a two-stage stochastic programming while considering random events by scenario generation and network constraints using linearized DistFlow. As one of outcomes, maximum available up- and down-regulations provided by ECs are estimated in LEM and communicated to LFM. In the distributed LFM clearing algorithm, an iterative auction is designed using a dual-decomposition technique (Augmented Lagrangian) which is solved by consensus alternating direction method of multipliers. The LFM algorithm efficiently dispatches the flexibility provided by ECs in operating time while considering flexibility local marginal price as pricing method. Network constraints are included in the algorithm with an AC distribution optimal power flow for dynamic network topology in which branches and buses are decomposed to solve the problem in distributed fashion. The designed LFM algorithm can respond to exogenous and endogenous signals for flexibility requests. The simulation results in a test case display effectiveness of two proposed LEM and LFM algorithms for an efficient provision of flexibility.

Bio: Saber Talari received the PhD degree in electrical and computer engineering from UBI, Portugal and did the Postdoctoral research in energy economics at University of Cologne, Germany where he is a team leader and lecturer with the faculty of management, economics, and social sciences. He works on sustainable energy systems with focus on digitalization of energy sector, decarbonization and algorithmic marketplaces for local energy trading. He also gained industrial expertise while working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology as a project manager. He won the Energies best paper award in 2017 and currently serves as an Associate Editor for IET Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.