Using AC Optimal Power Flow for DG planning and optimisation

Abstract

Abstract-While it is difficult to estimate how much distributed generation (DG) capacity will be connected to distribution systems in the coming years, it is certain that increasing penetration levels require robust tools that help assess the capabilities and requirements of the networks in order to produce the best planning strategies. This work presents an overview of some of the uses to which a tailored AC Optimal Power Flow (OPF) can be applied to DG planning and optimisation. Its application to maximising connectable capacity and energy loss minimisation are presented and discussed. The incorporation of a wide range of network constraints, including fault levels, voltage step change and N-1 security are also outlined. The AC OPF technique is extended to a multi-period approach to cater for the variability of demand and renewable generation. Advanced smart grid-like control strategies are also incorporated into this planning tool in order to evaluate the potential benefits. Simple test feeders as well as generic UK distribution systems are adopted to demonstrate the methodology.Index Terms-Distributed generation, optimal power flow, active network management, wind power, distribution networks.

User-friendly tool for power flow analysis and distributed generation optimisation in radial distribution networks

“…However, only a few of them are mentioned in this work, due to space constraint. An analytical approach is used by Khan and Choudhry (2010), dynamic programming (Khalesi et al, 2011), AC optimal power flow (Ochoa and Harrison, 2010). Nevertheless, most of these approaches have the problem of premature convergence and excessive computational time.…”

Voltage Responsive Distribution Networks: Comparing Autonomous and Centralized Solutions

“…2) Autonomous Objective Function While optimal power flow techniques have traditionally been used in pursuit of readily apparent objectives such as the minimisation of losses [22], such applications do not exhaust its capabilities [23]. The present methodology employs a novel objective function which maximizes the aggregate reactive power response of the distribution network to voltage deviations arising at its interfacing transmission system bus.…”

Active network management: Planning under uncertainty for exploiting load modulation

“…Dolan et al [6] developed a deterministic, OPFbased adaptation of the 'last-in, first-off' operating practice. A multi-period framework has been considered to account for the effects of the variability of renewable DG resources [7], [8], [9]. In this context, the problem of maximizing the utilization of the available DG inflow has been addressed [7], as well as the minimization of the energy losses in the electrical network [8].…”

“…In this context, the problem of maximizing the utilization of the available DG inflow has been addressed [7], as well as the minimization of the energy losses in the electrical network [8]. The integration of advanced network constraints, including fault levels and N-1 security, has been established within this multi-period framework [9].…”