A Probabilistic Conductor Size Selection Framework for Active Distribution Networks

Abstract

With the increasing adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as wind and solar photovoltaics (PV), many distribution networks have changed from passive to active. In turn, this has led to increased technical and operational challenges such as voltage issues and thermal loading in high DER penetration scenarios. These challenges have been further increased by the uncertainties arising from DER allocation. The implication of DER allocation uncertainty in the planning process is far-reaching as it affects critical planning processes, including conductor size selection (CSS). Most reported CSS methods in the literature do not include DER allocation uncertainty modeling as they are mostly deterministic and are set out as optimization problems. The methods, therefore, lack foresight on future loading conditions and cannot be used in a CSS process for feeders with high DER penetration. This paper proposes a novel input–process–output stochastic–probabilistic CSS framework for distribution feeders with DERs. The efficacy of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a low voltage feeder design case study with varying PV penetration targets, and the performance compared to deterministic–active-based estimates from our earlier work. The proposed CSS method is well-suited to the sizing of conductors for future loading conditions considering DER allocation uncertainty and will therefore be useful to planners working on new electrification projects.

Toward Optimal Active Distribution Network Planning: A Critical Review of Conductor Size Selection Methods

“…In [32], [33], the authors compare their new method to the existing methods, while in [34] this is done to benchmark the performance based on methods that had a single objective. Similarly, in [35], this brief comparison outlines the missing components related to ADNs. It is evident that most of these evaluations focus on the comparative efficiency and convergence rates of each of the methods, and do not comprehensively cover the critical elements of CSS methodologies, especially in the changing distribution network design, planning, and operations.…”

“…For modern ADN CSS, modeling loads extend to DERs. This change significantly alters the modeling requirements due to two uncertainty elements, namely DER allocation and operational uncertainties, which affect feeder performance [35]. Operational uncertainties affect the load magnitude, i.e., the magnitude of power flows (between the DER and the network) and the DER time-of-use (ToU) characteristics.…”

“…A further classification of the CSS-focused methodologies is performed, resulting in two separate classes focused on active and passive CSS. Passive CSS is discussed in [31]- [34], [36], [40]- [99] while active CSS formulation is outlined in [14], [20], [28], [35], [37],…”

Optimal Individual Phase Voltage Regulation Strategies in Active Distribution Networks with High PV Penetration Using the Sparrow Search Algorithm

“…The application of energy storage systems achieves better performance compared to traditional techniques, such as OLTC, VR, and SCB; however, these systems are not currently economic. The voltage quality problem is relative to the hosting capacity of DRERs in DNs [25][26][27]. Thus, a novel input-process-output stochastic-probabilistic conductor size selection framework was proposed for distribution feeders with DRERs to determine the sizing of conductors for future loading conditions considering DRER allocation uncertainty [25].…”

“…The voltage quality problem is relative to the hosting capacity of DRERs in DNs [25][26][27]. Thus, a novel input-process-output stochastic-probabilistic conductor size selection framework was proposed for distribution feeders with DRERs to determine the sizing of conductors for future loading conditions considering DRER allocation uncertainty [25]. From the related literature mentioned above, the proposed method, objective function, and control strategy or device for voltage regulation caused by high PV penetration in DNs are listed in Table 1.…”