Weather Forecasting Error in Solar Energy Forecasting

As renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) penetrate the power grid at an accelerating speed, it is essential for operators to have accurate solar photovoltaic (PV) energy forecasting for efficient operations and planning. Generally, observed weather data are applied in the solar PV generation forecasting model while in practice the energy forecasting is based on forecasted weather data. In this paper, a study on the uncertainty in weather forecasting for the most commonly used weather variables is presented. The forecasted weather data for six days ahead is compared with the observed data and the results of analysis are quantified by statistical metrics. In addition, the most influential weather predictors in energy forecasting model are selected. The performance of historical and observed weather data errors is assessed using a solar PV generation forecasting model. Finally, a sensitivity test is performed to identify the influential weather variables whose accurate values can significantly improve the results of energy forecasting.

Reliability Assessment of Distribution System Using Fuzzy Logic for Modelling of Transformer and Line Uncertainties

Reliability assessment of distribution system, based on historical data and probabilistic methods, leads to an unreliable estimation of reliability indices since the data for the distribution components are usually inaccurate or unavailable. Fuzzy logic is an efficient method to deal with the uncertainty in reliability inputs. In this paper, the ENS index along with other commonly used indices in reliability assessment are evaluated for the distribution system using fuzzy logic. Accordingly, the influential variables on the failure rate and outage duration time of the distribution components, which are natural or human-made, are explained using proposed fuzzy membership functions. The reliability indices are calculated and compared for different cases of the system operations by simulation on the IEEE RBTS Bus 2. The results of simulation show how utilities can significantly improve the reliability of their distribution system by considering the risk of the influential variables.