Flexibility enhancement in active distribution networks through a risk-based optimal placement of sectionalizing switches

Abstract

The advent of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution networks, referred to as active distribution networks (ADNs), brings in new opportunities for distribution network operators (DNOs) to improve the network reliability. The contribution of DERs in reliability enhancement generally depends on the island mode operation of DERs. Optimal placement of sectionalizing switches (SSs) enables ADNs to be operated more reliably by islanding the faulted part of the system in the form of flexible micro-grids (FMGs). However, practical methods are needed to handle the complex problem of the SS placement in ADNs. This paper presents a risk-based two-stage mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the optimal placement of the network-driven flexibility providers, i.e. SSs, in ADNs taking into account the limits of the resource-driven flexibility providers, i.e. DERs. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated on various test distribution networks, and its effectiveness demonstrated through several case studies.