Operational planning and optimisation in active distribution networks using modern intelligent power flow controllers

In this paper, a centralised control framework is introduced for day-ahead operational planning of active distribution networks which accommodate high levels of distributed generation resources. The purpose of the framework is to plan network operation in order to minimise power curtailment from distributed generation and maintaining acceptable levels of voltage regulation throughout the network. For this purpose, both power flow control and rapid network reconfiguration have been considered as various acceptable levels of control available to the network operator to provide required levels of operational flexibility. The power flow control within the network is promised by the application of fully controlled back-back voltage source converters placed in key points (both normally-open and normally-close) in the network. Meanwhile, the network reconfiguration constraints guarantee that radial topology is always maintained in order to avoid tremendous changes in the protection system coordination. The operation of a modified 33-bus system exemplar is analysed in three case studies namely, passive network (base case), active network using remote-controlled switches and active network using intelligent power converters. Results show a significant saving in terms of operational costs as well as transmission losses in active cases despite the radial constraint condition in place.