IIT-G team develops tech to optimise solar power distribution

21 Jul 2022 CW Team

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, solar energy is intermittent which 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," an IIT-G press release said.

A coordinated control approach for the power distribution system is required to derive maximum benefits from renewable power generation and EV power sourcing. The research team has developed a three-stage model predictive control (MPC) approach to schedule charging of EVs and other devices, the release said.

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.

Lead researcher Dr Sanjib Ganguly said, "Our three-stage model helps in maintaining bus voltage magnitudes and state-of-charge (SOC) of EV battery within safe limits with minimal usage of control resources and cost of electricity consumption."

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