Congestion management in medium voltage networks in N and N-1 situation

To address the overloading problems in the distribution network, congestion management mechanisms that utilize the flexibility of customers are being implemented. During operation, the topology in the distribution network may change, due to planned maintenance work or unplanned outages. In the case of a component failure, i.e. an N-1 situation, the medium voltage (MV) distribution network can be reconfigured to ensure uninterrupted power supply. These topology changes will affect the need for congestion management and should be reflected in the operational planning. Distribution system operators require accurate, fast, and practical calculation methods are required by distribution system operators. This paper proposes an approach based on a combination of forecasts, sensitivity analysis supported by fast power flow calculations, and mathematical optimization. The proposed method determines optimal congestion management actions in both N and N-1 situations in the medium voltage network. A case study using real data from the service area of Alliander, a Dutch DSO, demonstrates that the required flexibility for congestion management can be thus adequately in different topology configurations.