Receding horizon optimization-based approaches to managing supply voltages and power flows in a distribution grid with battery storage co-located with solar PV

In this paper we propose two optimization-based algorithms for coordinating residential battery storage to balance increases in daily operational savings that accrue to residential customers with the management of bi-directional power flows in the distribution grid. Bi-directional power flows are managed to improve the supply voltage for residential customers with rooftop solar PV, in addition to alleviating (potentially infrequent) congestion that occurs in the evening when PV production is unavailable. Our objectives are threefold: (1) to reduce reverse power flow leading to significant voltage rise; (2) to reduce peak loads creating sustained under-voltages and/or approaching a network thermal capacity; and (3) to increase operational savings for the residential customer. To achieve our objectives we present a Distributed-Receding Horizon Optimization (D-RHO) algorithm, wherein charge and discharge rates of residential battery storage are coordinated so as to directly influence power flows along a distribution feeder. We also present an Adaptive-Receding Horizon Optimization (A-RHO) algorithm, in which charge and discharge rates of residential battery storage are coordinated to more directly manage supply voltages. To assess the distributor benefit, both RHO-based algorithms are applied to a publicly available model of an Australian distribution region located in Elermore Vale. The results of this case study confirm that the A-RHO algorithm improves supply voltages in a low voltage network, and that the D-RHO algorithm offers a peak load reduction of 32% along the Elermore Vale medium voltage feeder.