1. A node controller comprising: a network interface: a processor; a memory containing: a node controller application; a plurality of node operating parameters describing operating parameters of a node; and a plurality of node operating parameters describing operating parameters for a set of at least one connected node selected from a group consisting of at least one downstream node and at least one upstream node, where the node is connected to the set of at least one connected node in a power distribution network; wherein the processor is directed by the node controller application to: receive a plurality of coordinator parameters describing operating parameters of a node coordinator by the network interface; calculate a plurality of updated node operating parameters of the node using an iterative gradient projection process using the plurality of node operating parameters describing operating parameters of the node and the plurality of node operating parameters describing operating parameters for the set of at least one connected node, wherein: the iterative gradient projection process comprises a backwards sweep process comprising: receiving operating parameters from the one or more downstream nodes; calculating a plurality of updated node operating parameters using the operating parameters from the one or more downstream nodes; and sending the plurality of updated node operating parameters to the one or more upstream nodes; each iteration in the iterative process is determined by the coordinator parameters; and the node operating parameters comprise power injection parameters calculated based on the operating parameters, the plurality of node operating parameters, and the coordinator parameters; and adjust a power flow in the power distribution network by controlling the plurality of node operating parameters describing operating parameters of the node based on the plurality of updated node operating parameters of the node when the power injection parameters are within a specified range.