Power flow control for power and voltage management in future smart energy communities

The Community Power Flow Control (CPFC) Algorithm has been proposed as a technique for managing electrical power and energy within small communities. The CPFC manages the resources in the community (DSM, energy storage, RES) in order to control the community´s instantaneous power flow according to a target set by a higher-level management system. This paper investigates the capability of the CPFC to manage local distribution voltage levels. The power flow data for a community has been used together with transformer and cable impedance models to demonstrate the variation of the distribution voltage in a community with significant penetration of PV and EV. The CPFC is shown to manage the voltage levels along a feeder within the statutory limits, even when there is significant export.