Energy storage for power flow management and voltage control on an 11kV UK distribution network

The use of energy storage on distribution networks continues to attract interest as a means to increase the penetration of distributed generation from renewable resources and provide wider network performance improvements. In mid 2009 a 600 kW, 200 kWh Lithium-Ion battery with a STATCOM power electronic interface will be field tested on an 11kV radial distribution network in the UK. Load flow modelling is being used to assess the operating procedures that should be trialled to achieve selected network performance improvements. At present two targets have been evaluated; reduce the steady-state voltage fluctuation at the point of common connection, and reduce the reverse power flow when distributed generation is exporting more power than the local demand. Several modes of operation have been used to achieve these goals, and their strengths and weaknesses have been evaluated.