Distribution Control Center: new requirements and functionalities

This chapter begins by defining and classifying the functional specifications and the architectures of medium voltage control center (MVCC). A simplified functional architecture can be represented at two main control levels: the distribution system operator (DSO) central control level and the peripheral/field level. The chapter then analyzes the main new functionalities in detail and describes the related algorithms, in particular for active and reactive power control, validation of demand response (DR) products and operational planning. The management of active distribution grids exploiting distributed generator (DG), DR and energy storage requires the development and implementation of new operational planning applications at the MVCC level. Among these, a prominent role is played by load and DG forecasting, and the new market tools for the DSO decision-making process, including DR as an additional option for distribution network operation.