Rising DER variability calls for multi timescale hierarchical volt/VAR control that combines slower predictive coordination with fast, measurement driven adjustments. A two layer scheme pairing a slower MPC for OLTC/VAR devices with a faster OFO for DER reactive power could be an interesting approach for coordinated operation under uncertainty. This thesis targets such a hierarchy in a 110 kV grid with interface to the 380 kV system and evaluates robustness versus a standalone OFO baseline.

Develop an integrated MPC–OFO framework for reactive power management and voltage regulation that accounts for 380 kV coupling, demonstrating coordinated setpoint tracking, constraint satisfaction, and robustness under realistic operating conditions. MPC will optimize OLTC tap positions and VAR deployment on a 15–30 minute cadence using forecasts, while OFO adjusts DER VARs at minute level to track MPC targets and stabilize voltages in real time.

• • Im Rahmen der Arbeit werden die folgenden Teilaufgaben bearbeitet:
  • • Design and implement an MPC to optimize OLTC tap schedules and shunt/DER VAR deployment with load/generation forecasts and explicit 380 kV coupling.
    • • Integrate an OFO controller to adjust DER reactive power every minute (or faster) in coordination with MPC setpoints for cross timescale volt/VAR control.
    • Build a Python based simulation environment, benchmark MPC–OFO against standalone OFO, and run sensitivity analyses to forecast/model errors (a base controller structure is provided).
    • Define and assess KPIs such as DER VAR usage, voltage violations, tie line setpoint tracking, tap changer switching frequency, plus student defined indicators.
    • Explicitly model OFO behaviour within MPC: as an exogenous response with tracking error.