Utility-Optimizing Real-Time Congestion Management in Low Voltage Distribution Grids

In this paper, we propose a method for the prevention of grid congestions in low voltage distribution grids which is suitable for real-time implementation. In our approach, a central controller is connected to the flexible prosumers and curtails their active power set values if necessary. The curtailment minimizes the loss of overall utility, which is expressed by concave functions of the prosumers’ power consumption and production, respectively. In this way, the optimization aims at reaching a global fairness. By means of utility factors, prosumers are able to express their urgency of realizing their desired power set value. To account for the realtime requirement, linearized power flow equations are used. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in simulations of an exemplary LV grid with a high share of electric vehicle chargers.