Distribution network management system: An AC OPF approach

The transition towards low-carbon societies poses a significant paradigm shift to Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) around the world. The integration of low carbon technologies requires DNOs to move from semi-passive approaches to one where controllable devices and network participants are actively and optimally managed to ensure the adequate operation of the network. Here, it is proposed a distribution Network Management System (NMS) platform driven by an ac Optimal Power Flow (OPF) engine. The NMS is aimed to manage network voltages and congestion (thermal overloads) by coordinating the control of on-load tap changers, distributed generation reactive power and curtailment (as last resort). The proposed NMS is applied to a generic UK distribution network to assess its effectiveness in managing renewable DG considering minute by minute simulations. Results show the effectiveness of the technique in dealing with network constraints in real time.