Abstract
The modern distribution networks under the smart grid paradigm have been considered both interconnected and reliable. In grid modernization concepts, the optimal asset optimization across a certain planning horizon is of core importance. Modern planning problems are more inclined towards a feasible solution amongst conflicting criteria. In this paper, an integrated decision-making planning (IDMP) approach is proposed. The proposed methodology includes voltage stability assessment indices linked with loss minimization condition-based approach, and is integrated with different multi-criteria decision-making methodologies (MCDM), followed by unanimous decision making (UDM). The proposed IDMP approach aims at optimal assets sitting and sizing in a meshed distribution network to find a trade-off solution with various asset types across normal and load growth horizons. An initial evaluation is carried out with assets such as distributed generation (DG), photovoltaic (PV)-based renewable DG, and distributed static compensator (D-STATCOM) units. The solutions for various cases of asset optimization and respective alternatives focusing on technical only, economic only, and techno-economic objectives across the planning horizon have been evaluated. Later, various prominent MCDM methodologies are applied to find a trade-off solution across different cases and scenarios of assets optimization. Finally, UDM is applied to find trade-off solutions amongst various MCDM methodologies across normal and load growth levels. The proposed approach is carried out across a 33-bus meshed configured distribution network. Findings from the proposed IDMP approach are compared with available works reported in the literature. The numerical results achieved have validated the effectiveness of the proposed planning approach in terms of better performance and an effective trade-off solution across various asset types.
Highlights
The global load demand for electricity has increased significantly, pushing the distribution network (DN) to their operational limits results in issues i.e., voltage stability and system losses
The proposed integrated approach consists of two parts; voltage stability assessment indices (VSAI) [30,31] are applied for potential assets (DG and renewable generation (REG) + DSTATCOM) locations for sitting and loss minimization condition (LMC) for optimal asset sizing
It is observed that the proposed alternative Alternate 7 (A7) in integrated decision-making planning (IDMP) during Case 1 under Normal Load (C1_NL) is best from the viewpoint of technical performance evaluation (TPE) and overall combined (techno-economic) performance evaluation (OPE), whereas Alternate 4 (A4) outperforms on the basis of cost-economic performance evaluation (CPE)
Summary
The global load demand for electricity has increased significantly, pushing the distribution network (DN) to their operational limits results in issues i.e., voltage stability and system losses. The traditional distribution grid paradigm was deterministically designed and planned to retain unidirectional power flow under radial topology, considering simple protection schemes and easy control. The traditional planning tools usually applied for distribution network planning problems (DNPP) might not remain feasible to mitigate the concerned issues by replication the existing infrastructure, which is certainly not a cost-effective solution [2]. The topology constraint in most of the DNPP studies has considered radial topology rather than interconnected configuration [3]. Distributed generation (DG) incorporation was neither considered in the planning stage nor assisted in the operational stage of the radial-structured distribution network (RDN) in the traditional grid paradigm. The interconnected arrangement is more suitable for densely inhabited urban centers and is feasible due to the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure employment [5,6]
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