Planning Active Distribution Networks Considering Multi-DG Configurations

Planning distribution systems without considering the operation status of multiple distributed generation (DG) units could result in constraining the network, lowering the utilization of its assets and minimizing the total DG capacity that can be accommodated. In this paper, the impact of multiple DG configurations on the potential of active network management (ANM) schemes is firstly investigated. Secondly, the paper proposes a multi-configuration multi-period optimal power flow (OPF)-based technique (MMOPF) for assessing the maximum DG capacity under ANM schemes considering 1) variability of demand and generation profiles (multi-period scenarios), and 2) different operational status of DG units (multi-configurations). The results show that the availability of DGs at certain locations could critically impact the amount of DG capacity at other locations. If DGs are properly allocated and sized at certain locations up to the optimal limits, even with a “fit-and-forget” approach, the total connected DG capacity can be maximized, with minimum utilization of ANM schemes. However, exceeding these optimal limits may lead to minimizing the total DG penetration in the long term, impacting the system reliability due to the operational status of multiple DG units, and consequently, imposing more investments on ANM schemes to increase the amount of connected DG capacity.