Coordinated Management of Distributed Energy Resources in Smart Microgrids

The last decade the continuous integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) along distribution networks, follows an uncoordinated fashion posing manifold technical challenges for the operation of the grid. However, DER could be actively incorporated in the operation of distribution networks providing certain flexibility. Such DER flexibility is generally associated with temporal shifting of energy (i.e. for consumption or injection). This work assesses the active management of multiple DER in a coordinated manner in Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks. The flexible use of DER is hereby regarded for the provision of support to the LV grid, mainly for voltage regulation and phase balancing, line congestions management as well as to ensure rated power for the transformer of the secondary substation. A control framework is proposed for the management of DER flexibilities, which relies on a three phase multi-period optimal power flow. A study based on a real -IEEE benchmark- LV distribution network is presented to demonstrate and quantify the importance of active management of DER such as battery storage system, electric vehicles (with vehicle to grid operation) and microgeneration.