Multi-timescale coordinated distributed energy resource control combining local and online feedback optimization

Recently, online feedback optimization (OFO) emerges as a promising approach for real-time distribution grid management. OFO offers several advantages, including not requiring precise grid models or real-time load metering and demonstrating robustness against inaccurate problem data. However, one important limitation is that OFO does not consider the intertemporal relationships and short-term planning capabilities of assets, thus not harnessing the full potential of a variety of distributed energy resources (DER) such as batteries and electric vehicles. To address this limitation, this paper proposes a multi-timescale coordinated control framework. In the slower timescale, local optimization problems are solved to provide real-time OFO controllers with reference setpoints. The overall approach thereby maintains minimal model, computation, and communication requirements while enforcing grid limits. Case studies based on a 96-bus unbalanced low-voltage grid with a high DER penetration level and second-scale data demonstrate its effectiveness and solution quality benchmarked with a centralized optimal power flow approach. •Combining local optimization with online feedback optimization.•Real-time control of distributed energy resources with intertemporal relationships.•Offline optimization provides online optimization reference setpoints.•Reduced PV curtailment compared to benchmark ideal optimal power flow.•Efficient utilization of existing distribution grid capacities.