Distribution network control scheme for power flow regulation at the interconnection point between transmission and distribution system

Abstract

The lack of operational flexibility in the transmission grid to react to unexpected system failures caused by the shutdown of conventional power plants requires future active distribution networks to participate in transmission system support, e.g., providing ancillary services. Thus, the need for adequate control strategies to integrate distributions networks in the operation and control systems of transmission grids in real time rises. In this paper a novel distribution network control scheme to regulate the active and reactive power exchange between transmission and distribution system is presented. With this method, the active and reactive power behaviour of flexible loads and distributed generators is adjusted in order to fulfil the requirements as determined by the overlaying transmission system while local operational limits, like voltage constraints, are respected. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated in a time-domain simulation of a medium voltage distribution network which contains several distributed generators and flexible loads.