Transforming low-voltage networks into small-scale energy zones

Integration of different types of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs) in the UK electricity supply system has become a key issue for distribution network operators, policy makers, energy producers and the research and development community. When regarded as separate entities, SSEGs offer minimal technical, economical or environmental benefits. However, intelligent coordination of large numbers of SSEGs coupled with energy storage and demand-side management techniques have the potential to maximise these benefits. This paper introduces the small-scale energy zone (SSEZ) concept, which aims to facilitate the proliferation of SSEGs by maximising their potential commercial and environmental benefits, while also ensuring that the associated technical challenges are overcome. A distributed control approach, realised through multi-agent systems technology, is proposed in order to satisfy the specific control requirements of an SSEZ. Moreover, an application of the proposed agentbased approach to the experimental SSEZ at Durham University is presented, focusing on overcoming steadystate voltage-rise issues. Results demonstrating the deployment of direct generation agents are presented and discussed, showing that active network management schemes employed within SSEZs have the potential to increase system performance, while also increasing the annual energy yield of the connected SSEGs.