Development and Validation of a Dynamic Operating Envelopes-enabled Demand Response Scheme in Low-voltage Distribution Networks

Abstract

Dynamic operating envelopes (DOEs) offer an attractive solution for maintaining network integrity amidst increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in low-voltage (LV) networks. Currently, the focus of DOEs primarily revolves around active power exports of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation, often neglecting the impact of demand response (DR). This paper presents a two-stage, coordinated approach for residential DR participation in electricity markets under the DOE framework. In the first stage, the distribution network service provider (DNSP) adopts a convex hull technique to establish DOEs at each customer point-of-connection (POC). In the second stage, the demand response aggregator (DRA) utilises DOEs assigned by the DNSP to develop a hierarchical control scheme for tracking a load set-point signal without jeopardising network statutory limits. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme in a practical setting, software-in-the-loop (SIL) tests are performed in a grid simulator, considering a real residential feeder with realistic household load and generation profiles. Simulation validations suggest that the DRA can provide precise DR while honouring network statutory limits and maintaining end-user thermal comfort. Furthermore, the overall approach is compliant with the market dispatch interval and preserves end-user data privacy.