Techno-economical tradeoffs from embedded technologies with storage capabilities on electric and gas distribution networks

The deployment of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and micro-combined heat and power (μ-CHPs) technologies creates the opportunity for these units to be optimally operated under various control schemes to enhance electric grid operation. In addition, if vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and thermal storage features are considered, these embedded technologies could have even a greater impact on network performance. This paper employs an integrated electric and gas time coordinated optimal power flow (TCOPF) to illustrate the techno-economical tradeoffs that energy service network operators might encounter under various load control approaches. A case study is assessed under various formulations in which the TCOPF acts as the intermediary entity that manages cost-effective interactions between the connected technologies and the distribution network operators (DNOs). Results show considerable benefits in electric networks while simultaneously having mild side-effects in gas networks. The TCOPF offers a fresh perspective for stakeholders wishing to successfully integrate distributed resources with energy utilities.