Analysis of demand response and photovoltaic distributed generation as resources for power utility planning

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the price-based demand response (DR) and photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) for developing an approach to model them as energy resources for power utility sustainable planning. The methodology involves a case study based on the IEEE 8500-Node Test Feeder with a distribution substation and 1177 low-voltage consumers, using the open distribution system simulator (OpenDSS). The methodology includes the use of a typical retail pricing practice such as time-of-use (TOU) tariff for residential consumers’ DR and net metering for distributed micro-generation provided by rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. The highest levels of DR and PVDG on weekday in a group of responsive residential consumers (RRCs), which represents 26.6% of the total load in the feeder, resulted in 6.3% reduction in substation peak demand, 9.3% reduction in substation daily energy consumption, and 13.2% reduction in daily energy losses in lines and transformers compared to the base case with flat tariff, without DR and PVDG. The highest daily average bill savings of RRC samples compared to the base case were 35.2% with the highest levels of DR and PVDG and 36.3% with the highest level of PVDG and without DR, indicating a situation in which regulatory changes are necessary to stimulate DR simultaneously with PVDG, such as in the case of optional TOU tariff, the so-called white tariff, in Brazil. The quantification of DR and PVDG potential contributes to the planning of modern distribution networks in which end users can participate more actively, enhancing the sustainability of electrical energy systems.