Utility-Driven Dispatchable & Non-Dispatchable DERs' Sizing Algorithms in Distribution Networks

Abstract

Distributed energy resources (DERs) integration is increasing rapidly in distribution networks. Utilities and distribution planners need appropriate tools for sizing such energy resources; however, most simulation tools currently used do not provide comprehensive and practical sizing strategies for different types of DERs. In this paper, new algorithms for sizing dispatchable and non-dispatchable DERs using time-series simulations are presented, which have been implemented in the CYME Power System Analysis Software. The dispatchable DERs (D-DERs) sizing algorithms determine the size of the battery energy storage system (BESS) and other power electronics-based DERs with controllable output powers to mitigate overloads of a targeted asset in the network. This strategy improves the targeted asset's peaking capacity and defers its upgrading necessity. The proposed sizing algorithm of non-dispatchable DERs (ND-DERs) finds the size of DERs with intermittent nature, such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems, to reduce the number of overload occurrences of assets by a defined percentage. The proposed algorithms provide the dispatchable and non-dispatchable DERs' sizes in a reasonable amount of time for real-scale distribution power systems. In this paper, case studies in the IEEE 8500 Node Test Feeder demonstrate some of the proposed algorithms' technological advancement.