Congestion Avoidance in Low-Voltage Networks by using the Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Abstract

Large-scale decentralized photovoltaic (PV) generators are currently being installed in many low-voltage distribution networks. Without grid reinforcements or production curtailment, they might create current and/or voltage issues. In this paper, we consider the use the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) as the basis for PV generation control. We show that the advanced metering infrastructure may be used to infer some knowledge about the underlying network, and we show how this knowledge can be used by a simple feed-forward controller to curtail the solar production efficiently. By means of numerical simulations, we compare our proposed controller with two other controller structures: open-loop, and feed-back P(U) and Q(U). We demonstrate that our feed-forward controller - that requires no prior knowledge of the underlying electrical network - brings significant performance improvements as it can effectively suppress over-voltage and over-current while requiring low energy curtailment. This method can be implemented at low cost and require no specific information about the network on which it is deployed.