Optimal Real-time Coordination of Distributed Energy Resources in Low-voltage Grids

TL;DR

This paper introduces a real-time distributed energy resource coordination model for low-voltage grids that effectively manages voltage and overload issues by considering active/reactive power and time-coupling devices without multi-period forecasts.

Contribution

It presents a novel real-time, single-period coordination model that handles diverse DERs and time-coupling devices, improving grid management efficiency and applicability.

Findings

Successfully resolves voltage and overload issues in a Dutch low-voltage grid.

Maintains user comfort while optimizing DER utilization.

Operates effectively without multi-period forecasting.

Abstract

This study proposes a real-time distributed energy resource (DER) coordination model that can exploit flexibility from the DERs to solve voltage and overloading issues using both active and reactive power. The model considers time-coupling devices including electric vehicles and heat pumps by deviating as little as possible from their original schedules while prioritizing DERs with the most urgent demand using dynamic cost terms. The model does not require a multi-period setting or a multi-period-ahead forecast, which enables the model to alleviate the computational difficulty and enhance its applicability for DSOs to manage the grids in real time. A case study using a Dutch low-voltage grid assuming a 100% penetration scenario of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and photovoltaics (PVs) in the households validates that the proposed model can resolve the network issues while not affecting user comfort.