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Improving the Reliability of Electric Power Infrastructure Using Distributed Solar Generation: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach

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Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2021 (CSCE 2021)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering ((LNCE,volume 251))

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Abstract

Natural disasters, such as storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes, are major factors that cause disruptions of electrical power services. Improving the reliability of power infrastructure systems against such events is a major goal in research and practice. Distributed Solar Generation (DSG) can improve system reliability against such disruption of services by providing alternative sources of electrical power, located at the end-consumers, and detachable from the conventional grid. However, the growing adoption of DSG creates many challenges and uncertainties for system operators. As such, the goal of this research is to investigate the benefits of DSG in improving the reliability of the electric power infrastructure. To achieve that goal, an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) framework is introduced to simulate the integration of DSG into the power infrastructure and markets. The model combines an ABM approach with reliability assessment of power infrastructure systems, aimed to determine the DSG resources required to mitigate the effect of natural disasters on the electric power infrastructure. Results of the complex ABM model verify the suitability of the developed framework in improving power system reliability against natural disasters. Ultimately, this research shall benefit researchers and practitioners in the field of power infrastructure systems reliability and DSG.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, USA

    G. G. Ali & I. H. El-adaway

Authors
  1. G. G. Ali
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  2. I. H. El-adaway
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Correspondence to I. H. El-adaway .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada

    Scott Walbridge

  2. Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Mazdak Nik-Bakht

  3. University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada

    Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng

  4. Matrix Solutions Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Manas Shome

  5. University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada

    M. Shahria Alam

  6. University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

    Ashraf el Damatty

  7. University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada

    Gordon Lovegrove

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Ali, G.G., El-adaway, I.H. (2023). Improving the Reliability of Electric Power Infrastructure Using Distributed Solar Generation: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach. In: Walbridge, S., et al. Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2021 . CSCE 2021. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 251. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1029-6_45

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1029-6_45

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-19-1028-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-19-1029-6

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