Optimal management of electrical power systems for losses reduction in the presence of active distribution networks

Abstract

Encouraged by the increasing electric energy consumption, the distributed generation has been widely included in the electrical power system. However, renewable energy resources have intermittent characteristics. When the distributed generation is high at certain times of the day, the energy generation at distribution systems can become higher than the required power. The surplus energy is returned to the transmission system, giving rise to active distribution networks. This paper proposes an approach to optimally managing the existing distributed generation and voltage control devices. The management is performed by solving an optimal power flow problem, aiming to find an operating condition for the system in which the losses are minimized, and the voltage profiles are improved. A combined transmission and distribution system is proposed. Some scenarios are considered to assess the impact of distributed generation insertion and the contribution of these sources in support of reactive power. The results indicate the need for adequate active distribution networks management, which depends on the distribution generation insertion level and the generation sources’ power factor.