Centralized Control of Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Renewable Energies

Distribution networks were conceived to distribute the energy received from transmission and subtransmission to supply passive loads. This approach, however, is not valid anymore due to the presence of distributed generation, which is mainly based on renewable energies, and the increased number of plug-in electric vehicles that are connected at this voltage level for domestic use. In this paper the ongoing transition that distribution networks face is addressed. Whereas distributed renewable energy sources increase nodal voltages, electric vehicles result in demand surges higher than the load predictions considered when planning these networks, leading to congestion in distribution lines and transformers. Additionally, centralized control techniques are analyzed to reduce the impact of distributed generation and electric vehicles and increase their effective integration. A classification of the different methodologies applied to the problems of voltage control and congestion management is presented.

Automated summary

The traditional method of distributing energy in distribution networks is no longer valid due to the increase in distributed generation and plug-in electric vehicles. This has led to congestion in distribution lines and transformers, as well as increased nodal voltages. The paper discusses centralized control techniques to mitigate these issues and presents a classification of methodologies for voltage control and congestion management.