Abstract
This paper presents a method for real-time active network management (ANM) control to maximize network-wide energy yield in constrained networks. Coordinated scheduling of renewable distributed generation (DG) and distribution network control assets can limit DG curtailment and significantly increase energy yield and economic performance of DG. Here, an optimal power flow approach has been developed for real-time online scheduling of network control settings to better integrate high levels of temporally and spatially variable DG from renewable energy resources. Results show that the real-time prescription of ANM control settings provides a feasible alternative to network reinforcement under the existing passive management philosophy.
Highlights
CONNECTING increasing levels of temporally and spatially varying renewable distributed generation (DG) within the capabilities of the existing distribution networks is a technical and economic challenge for distribution network operators (DNOs) [1]
A new application and real-time formulation of the AC optimal power flow (OPF) is presented that employs Active Network Management (ANM) of DG active and reactive power and coordinated voltage control to maintain the voltage and thermal limits in constrained distribution networks
Three control techniques are included in the OPF scheme: Curtailment; variable Power Factor Control (PFC) and Coordinated Voltage Control (CVC)
Summary
CONNECTING increasing levels of temporally and spatially varying renewable distributed generation (DG) within the capabilities of the existing distribution networks is a technical and economic challenge for distribution network operators (DNOs) [1]. OPF entered the distribution network literature for both planning and dispatch; this has a more ‘technical’ rather than ‘economic’ focus to fit with the unbundled regulatory environment for DNOs. Application of the OPF to evaluating hosting capacity and the impact of ANM techniques [8], suggests that coordinated scheduling of DG and active network assets can enhance renewable capacity and increase DG energy yield. A new application and real-time formulation of the AC OPF is presented that employs ANM of DG active and reactive power and coordinated voltage control to maintain the voltage and thermal limits in constrained distribution networks. Operating on a 5minute control cycle, application to a section of renewable-rich distribution network clearly identified that variable power flows and the actions of the control elements resulted in ‘residual’ variations within the control cycles leading to constraint violations.
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