Rule-based Model Predictive Control to mitigate Reverse Power Flow in Distribution Feeders

Rapid penetration of roof-top photovoltaic systems without battery storage in residential communities is a leading cause of excessive PV generation and reverse power loading in Distribution Transformers, reducing their life. Community batteries can reduce the investment burden on homes. This study explores the operation of a Fuzzy logic and an MPC controller in mitigating the reverse power loading of distribution transformers in a community of eight houses, out of which four houses participate in a Community battery program. Here the Community battery charging credit is modified in response to the excessive PV generation from all the houses and the reverse power loading of the Distribution Transformer. This adaptive Community Battery charging credit is found to reduce the export of power to the grid from the participating houses and divert the same towards the Community Battery, thus preventing further reverse loading of the transformer and reducing the degradation effects.