Management Scheme for Increasing the Connectivity of Small-Scale Renewable DG

Abstract

This paper presents a planning model and an active network management (ANM) scheme for increasing small-scale renewable distributed generation (DG) capacity in distribution networks. The capacity of each DG unit is assumed to include two components: 1) unconditional and 2) conditional. Unconditional DG capacity is calculated using an appropriate economic model that ensures adequate profit for DG investors. For all online distribution system conditions, a DG unit whose capacity is less than or equal to the unconditional DG capacity is granted permission to inject power into the system without curtailment. The first phase of this work involved the development of a proposed planning model that maximizes the number of DG units installed based on the calculated unconditional capacity. Any capacity higher than the unconditional DG capacity is considered conditional capacity. The second phase of this work is focused on an ANM scheme for minimizing the curtailment of conditional DG capacity using a novel scalable optimization model. The simulation results show that the proposed planning model with the ANM scheme significantly increases the photovoltaic (PV) DG capacity that can be installed. The simulation results indicate that online operation of the proposed ANM scheme would provide a favorable outcome and enhanced performance.