Dynamic management of electrical power networks with distributed generation and storage

In this paper we present a hierarchical control structure for dynamic management of electrical power networks with distributed generation and storage. The proposed control structure consists of three layers. At the upper level a (dynamic) Optimal Power Flow (OPF) solver computes the optimal power references for distributed generators and storages at slow rate. These references are then transmitted to the intermediate level, where a faster Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm computes deviations from power references given by the OPF solver to take into account the variability of load profiles that was neglected at the upper layer. Finally, the power references are forwarded to the primary level where local controllers track the power reference values computed by the upper layers. The MPC algorithm is based on a state-space model of the power network linearized around the operating point given by the OPF solver. A case study of a simple radial power network is used for testing purposes and to illustrate the applicability and usefulness of the proposed control strategy.