Distributed Optimization Algorithm for Residential Flexibility Activation—Results From a Field Test

This paper presents results from a field test that uses a method for transactive control based on dual decomposition. The proposed approach is used to activate flexibility at the residential level to resolve any forecasted bottlenecks and power surpluses in the grid. The field test is part of the REnnovates project. The capability to react to grid requests comes from residential loads with some type of energy consumption flexibility associated. In the field test, three types of actors are included: the distribution system operator (DSO), the aggregator and the residential end users. Two levels of control are distinguished: the end users' level and the district level (grid congestion management). Dual decomposition is used to compute virtual prices that influence the power profile of individual houses to solve grid congestion problems, previously identified by the DSO, in the least intrusive or disturbing way. Results have shown that, even as operational constraints and end users' comfort requirements limit the flexibility, congestions in the grid can be suppressed in most of the tests using the proposed method. This success is however dependent on the amount of energy requested to be changed, the corresponding period of the day, and for how long.