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Development of Innovative Solutions to Identify and Manage Low-Voltage Distribution Grid Congestion

par Delchambre, Lionel
Promoteur Hendrick, Patrick
Co-Promoteur Henneaux, Pierre
Publication Non publié, 2025-05-13

Thèse de doctorat

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Résumé :

The ongoing energy transition, driven by Europe’s ambitious climate goals and the regulatory frameworkof the Clean Energy Package, has significantly increased the penetration of distributed energyresources and electrified loads at the Low Voltage distribution grid level. Photovoltaic panels, electricvehicles, heat pumps, and residential energy storage systems are now commonplace among Low Voltageend-users. These developments, coupled with flexibility activities newly available at Low Voltage level,such as frequency control, present both opportunities and challenges for Distribution System Operators.However, the growing complexity and unpredictability of Low Voltage load profiles pose significant risksof grid congestion, potentially jeopardizing the safe operation of the Low Voltage grid. In this context,Distribution System Operators require innovative tools to identify and manage Low Voltage congestioneffectively.This manuscript addresses this critical need by developing and applying methodologies to identify andmanage low voltage congestion. The first contribution is a comprehensive framework for identifying lowvoltage congestion risks under specific scenarios, such as the activation of low voltage assets by flexibilityservice providers for frequency control services. The second contribution focuses on determining themaximum flexibility that end users can safely provide without risking grid congestion, utilizing a relaxedUnbalanced Three-Phase Optimal Power Flow model to compute Operating Envelopes. These OperatingEnvelopes define safe operational boundaries for Low Voltage assets while accounting for uncertainties inload profiles and network constraints.The research finally explores two practical applications where the congestion identification frameworkand Operating Envelopes can be integrated into Distribution System Operators processes to improveLow Voltage congestion management. The methodologies are validated through case studies on bothbenchmark grids and real-world Low Voltage feeders, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposedsolutions.The findings highlight the potential of the congestion identification framework and Operating Envelopesas robust tools to address the growing complexity of Low Voltage grid management. They enableDistribution System Operators to safely harness flexibility from end users while maintaining grid reliability.This research provides Distribution System Operators with actionable insights and scalablemethodologies to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.