Control concepts of a novel device for coupling LV grids

Abstract:
The increase of renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EV) in particular in rural areas leads to a sharp increase of peak loadings in low-voltage (LV) grids. This can result in voltage violations and thermal overloads making significant investments necessary. One option for a cost-efficient solution can be the coupling of two adjacent LV grids, provided that they have different properties. With that, voltage stability can be improved and synergy effects can be used in terms of balancing load and generation. However, unwanted power flows may occur as a result of the coupling. This paper presents and compares different kinds of control concepts for a novel device that prevents such unwanted power flows. The concepts are compared according to their performance and data requirements using simulations of specific use-cases. This work is developed within the research project "FLOWKONtrol", funded within the research initiative “sustainable power grids” of the German Federal Government.