A composable method for real-time control of active distribution networks with explicit power setpoints. Part I: Framework

• We propose a protocol for the explicit control of ADNs.
• The method is recursive, generic, composable and it is targeted to real-time.
• We present the theoretical framework, a case study application and validation results.
• It enables maximization of renewables production and control of the system re-serve.
• It keeps the system in safe conditions while better exploring its degrees of freedom.

The conventional approach for the control of distribution networks, in the presence of active generation and/or controllable loads and storage, involves a combination of both frequency and voltage regulation at different time scales. With the increased penetration of stochastic resources, distributed generation and demand response, this approach shows severe limitations in both the optimal and feasible operation of these networks, as well as in the aggregation of the network resources for upper-layer power systems. An alternative approach is to directly control the targeted grid by defining explicit and real-time setpoints for active/reactive power absorptions/injections defined by a solution of a specific optimization problem; but this quickly becomes intractable when systems get large or diverse. In this paper, we address this problem and propose a method for the explicit control of the grid status, based on a common abstract model characterized by the main property of being composable. That is to say, subsystems can be aggregated into virtual devices that hide their internal complexity. Thus the proposed method can easily cope with systems of any size or complexity. The framework is presented in this Part I, whilst in Part II we illustrate its application to a CIGRÉ low voltage benchmark microgrid. In particular, we provide implementation examples with respect to typical devices connected to distribution networks and evaluate of the performance and benefits of the proposed control framework.