Optimal control of Local Area Energy Networks (E-LAN)

Abstract The European directive “Clean Energy for All Europeans” (November 2016) depicts for 2030 a new scenario for low-voltage distribution grids, where each end-user will have the right to trade energy and offer demand-response in the electrical market, either individually or in aggregation with others. This paradigm shift in the low-voltage electric market became possible due to an increasing penetration of distributed generation, information and communication technology, and power electronics in low-voltage distribution grids. This new scenario can be addressed by making reference to Local Area Energy Networks (E-LANs), that is, energy networks with degrees of scalability, flexibility, reliability, robustness, and readiness similar to LANs of digital devices, which may represent the basic tile of a larger patchwork, the Internet of Energy. This paper introduces an optimal control approach of E-LANs that applies to poly-phase grids of whatever structure, complexity, variety of power sources and storage units, and multiplicity of connection to utilities. The proposed control can adapt to end users’ attitude, ensure full exploitation of distributed energy sources, and prevent overstress of distribution infrastructure. The control operation is demonstrated by referring to a couple of application examples considering both steady-state and transient conditions.