Graph theory based transformation of existing Distribution network into clusters of multiple micro-grids for reliability enhancement

Abstract

Enhancement of reliability is critical in designing and planning of distribution systems that operate efficiently and with minimal interruption to customer loads, because they use various types of resources and technologies to meet energy demand such as distributed generation (DG). DG is expected to play an enhanced role in emerging power systems. One of the major issues in the planning stage for future distribution systems is the optimal design of multiple micro-grids (MMGs) in distribution systems. This paper describes a novel method for clustering a traditional passive distribution system into a cluster of Multiple Micro Grids (MMGs). Clustering a traditional distribution system into MMGs provides numerous merits for costumers and distribution system operators, including a local control strategy to minimise interaction between various MGs, local reactive power compensation to prevent fault propagation, minimise power losses, and ultimately improving system reliability. In each MG area, DGs and reactive power resources are deployed to reach the acceptable level of reliability. The proposed clustering procedure is based on a weighted graph partitioning approach, with the weights representing the apparent power of the lines. Various reliability tests were performed in order to determine the best location for DG penetration in the distribution system. The passive distribution system becomes an active system after DG penetration. As a result, planners must investigate the influence of DG on distribution system reliability. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of DG on distribution system reliability. The results on the test distribution system demonstrate the proposed method’s performance and effectiveness.