ToolFusion
πŸ“‹ Case Study

NYISO Distribution-Aware Aggregation: Brooklyn Microgrid

Feeder thermal limits, reverse power flow risk, and NYISO’s dual-market (energy + distribution services) participation requirements

πŸ—οΈ Project Overview

DER aggregator serving 1,200+ customers in constrained urban feeder, co-optimized for wholesale bids and local voltage/VAR support

🎯 Challenge

Feeder thermal limits, reverse power flow risk, and NYISO’s dual-market (energy + distribution services) participation requirements

πŸ”§ Design Approach

Hierarchical control: local Volt-VAR/Volt-Watt at DER level, feeder-level optimization engine (using OpenDSS + Python), ISO bidding layer with NYISO’s DSIP interface

πŸ“ Design Diagram

Brooklyn Microgrid: Distribution-Aware AggregationDERsVolt-VAR /Volt-WattFeeder
OptimizationOpenDSS + PythonNYISO
BiddingDSIP InterfaceChallenges:β€’ Feeder thermal limitsβ€’ Reverse power flow riskβ€’ Dual-market participationKey Metrics:FHC = 320%VAR Support Ratio = 68%NYISO Distribution Services Market IntegrationControl Hub

AI-generated project design illustration

πŸ“ Key Calculations

Feeder Hosting Capacity (FHC)

Max DER penetration before thermal/voltage violation
Result: 320%
Sets upper bound on aggregatable capacity

VAR Support Contribution Ratio

BESS Reactive kVAR / Total Feeder VAR Demand
Result: 68%
Qualifies for NYISO Distribution Support Incentive Payment

πŸ“Š Results

Reduced feeder peak loading by 22%; avoided $4.2M in infrastructure upgrades; earned $1.7M/year in DSIP payments

πŸ’‘ Lessons Learned

  • β€’Co-simulation (OpenDSS + ISO market simulator) was essential for bid validation
  • β€’Real-time feeder modeling required sub-minute SCADA updates
  • β€’Local DER firmware updates needed prior to VAR mode enablement

βœ… Key Takeaways

  • 1Co-simulation (OpenDSS + ISO market simulator) was essential for bid validation
  • 2Real-time feeder modeling required sub-minute SCADA updates
  • 3Local DER firmware updates needed prior to VAR mode enablement