The Podcast Project: An Application of Volt/Var Optimization to the Electric Distribution Network of Sanremo (Italy)

This paper presents the PODCAST project (Plat-form for the Optimization of the Distribution using data from smart meters and distributed storage systems). The main goals of this project are the identification, the design and the implementation of strategies for the management of active distribution networks. The paper describes the platform architecture, the employed technologies and the test site. In addition, this work reports a Volt/Var algorithm for the optimal regulation of distributed energy resources and storage systems allocation. The proposed technique has been implemented within the PODCAST project and tested on the electric distribution network of Sanremo (Italy).