Abstract: Computing apparatus and methods to increase operational flexibility in an energy distribution system include using a transactive mechanism to adjust voltage supplied to a power grid by one or more distributed energy resources (DERs). In some examples of the disclosed technology, the transactive mechanism is configured to cause the one or more DERs to adjust a corresponding supply of voltage to the power grid in order to reach a targeted voltage difference across terminals of a switching device of the power grid, thereby enabling the switching device to be switched to increase reliability of the power grid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a hierarchical framework for integrating distributed energy resources into power distribution systems. In one example of the disclosed technology, a method implemented with an aggregation server includes receiving a respective utility function associated with each of at least two of a plurality of distributed energy resources representing an amount of energy produced or consumed by the respective associated distributed energy resource as a function of energy price, producing an aggregated utility function associated with the plurality of distributed energy resources based on the received utility functions, transmitting the produced aggregated utility function to a coordinator, receiving a clearing value from the coordinator, and transmitting the received clearing value to each of the plurality of distributed energy resources.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for managing frequency response in a power grid are provided herein. Individual grid-connected electrical devices can be turned on and/or off by corresponding frequency-responsive load controllers when frequency deviations beyond a threshold are detected. Each controller selects, for the corresponding electrical device, a frequency threshold from available frequencies in a frequency range. If the selected frequency falls within a deadband frequency range, then the controller sets the frequency threshold to a frequency outside of the deadband (e.g., to a closest available frequency outside of the deadband). On a system-wide level, this approximates a uniform distribution of frequency thresholds over the entire frequency range, including the deadband, and achieves the proper power-to-frequency relationship for grid stability.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for managing frequency response in a power grid are provided herein. Individual grid-connected electrical devices can be turned on and/or off by corresponding frequency-responsive load controllers when frequency deviations beyond a threshold are detected. Each controller selects, for the corresponding electrical device, a frequency threshold from available frequencies in a frequency range. If the selected frequency falls within a deadband frequency range, then the controller sets the frequency threshold to a frequency outside of the deadband (e.g., to a closest available frequency outside of the deadband). On a system-wide level, this approximates a uniform distribution of frequency thresholds over the entire frequency range, including the deadband, and achieves the proper power-to-frequency relationship for grid stability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a hierarchical framework for integrating distributed energy resources into power distribution systems. In one example of the disclosed technology, a method implemented with an aggregation server includes receiving a respective utility function associated with each of at least two of a plurality of distributed energy resources representing an amount of energy produced or consumed by the respective associated distributed energy resource as a function of energy price, producing an aggregated utility function associated with the plurality of distributed energy resources based on the received utility functions, transmitting the produced aggregated utility function to a coordinator, receiving a clearing value from the coordinator, and transmitting the received clearing value to each of the plurality of distributed energy resources.