IIT-G team develops new approach for power distribution

Researchers at IIT, Guwahati, have developed optimised control schemes for active power distribution networks that can enable coordinated operation of photovoltaic (PV) power generation and electric vehicle charging stations. The sustainability of electric vehicles (EV) can be enhanced if the power used to charge these vehicles is also based on renewable energy sources such as solar energy. However, intermittent solar energy leads to voltage fluctuation problems in the power distribution networks. Furthermore, EV charging is uncoordinated at present, which leads to under-voltage of the distribution networks, and associated efficiency loss. A coordinated control approach for the power distribution system is required to derive maximum benefits from renewable power generation and EV power sourcing. The release said that the research team has developed a three-stage model predictive control (MPC) approach to schedule charging of EVs and other devices. The three stages involve coordination of the volt-var devices in two different time scales, reception of the reactive power setpoints by the local controller, and EV charge scheduling in accordance with the balance between the operating cost and customer satisfaction.