Abstract
As part of the smart grid concept, different strategies specialized for power flow control in distribution networks have been developed. One of the possible solutions to optimize the utilization of existing capacities and increase distributed generation penetration is the implementation of Soft Open Points. Soft Open Points are modular devices based on power electronic converters that enable closing loops in the network without negative consequences regarding fault current propagation. Introducing the concept of soft open points in the distribution network enables power flow control in a particular part of the network and voltage control in the soft open point connecting nodes. The control strategy proposed in this paper addresses the main obstacle for appropriate exploitation of soft open points, defining reference values for control variables in the case of large-scale distribution systems. Furthermore, the proposed strategy also deals with data unavailability problems, that is, soft open point control under communication interruption. The proposed control algorithm incorporates centralized optimal power flow calculations and an estimation algorithm based on a multivariate polynomial regression. The optimal power flow is used to calculate the control variables in normal operation modes. The procedure based on multivariate polynomial regression was used to estimate the reference values of the control variables when the optimal power flow results were unavailable. This feature makes the proposed algorithm applicable to communication interruptions when only limited data capture is available. The algorithm proposed in this study was implemented and tested on a test network considering different scenarios. Conclusions and simulation results make this algorithm applicable to an actual soft open point controller.
Highlights
Conventional medium-voltage distribution networks are mainly characterized by a radial topology
One of the possible solutions to optimize the utilization of existing capacities and increase distributed generation penetration is the implementation of Soft Open Points
The control strategy proposed in this paper addresses the main obstacle for appropriate exploitation of soft open points, defining reference values for control variables in the case of large-scale distribution systems
Summary
Conventional medium-voltage distribution networks (with rated voltage range of 3 kV to 36 kV) are mainly characterized by a radial topology. Their basis consists of an optimization framework that includes different SOP models, which are further introduced into the optimal power flow calculations This type of algorithm considers an approach that requires many measurements within a network. Data unavailability is mainly caused by different communication interruptions In these cases, SOP control should be based on an alternative technique that enables the local control of the SOP. A similar approach that enables local Volt/Var control was developed in [11]–[13] These algorithms can be used during short communication interruptions as backup control strategies initialized when the OPF is unavailable. The conclusions and guidelines for further research are presented in the final section
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