Resilient and comprehensive networks planning is key to a successful integration of renewable energy resources

Abstract

The German "Energiewende" leads to significant uncertainty in terms of future demand and generation development. Distribution networks are mainly affected by the resulting different divergent requirements: Distribution networks are transformed into local transportation grids. Additionally network investments are restricted by regulation. The solution presented here combines strategic Asset Management (age & condition) and Network Development (capacity) in a synergetic fashion to raise significant technical & economical optimization potential. An adaption to uncertainty in the future is based on the analysis of a variety of load and feed-in scenarios. This approach enables optimal risk and cost aware decisions.

Holistic network planning approach: enhancement of the grid expansion using the flexibility of network participants

“…All the described communication steps are performed by sending or receiving JADE messages. For further information on the overall system concept please refer to [1], [7]- [8].…”

“…While there have been several publications in the past considering the optimal combination of asset strategy and network planning for upper voltage levels under uncertain conditions [1,2], as well as different ways of generating time series for grid planning, the presented approach creates added value by merging these two fields to improve the electricity grid planning process.…”

“…Previous work proposed an optimised planning procedure under consideration of assets' condition [1]. It provides functional valid grid structures in terms of asset condition and asset capacity (induced by the load and feeder) by means of replacement, enforcement and expansion of physical network elements.…”