Voltage Behaviour and Distribution Network Performance with Community Energy Storage Systems and High PV Uptake

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the use of community energy storage (CES) systems in distribution networks with high-uptake renewable energy generation, particularly solar PV. CES systems have the potential to reduce electricity costs for customers whilst offering advantages over behind the meter residential storage systems including reduced installation and maintenance costs. However, it is vital to understand the impact that CES systems will have on distribution network behaviour and performance. In practice, the impact of CES systems on network performance indicators like voltage behaviour and losses will depend on the energy management system as well as where the CES system is located within the distribution network. In this paper, we assess the impact of CES placement and operations on voltage profile and total real power losses in a 30-bus, modern, underground LV feeder located in Hobart, Australia. A Monte Carlo based analysis is carried out to address load and PV generation uncertainty. Our results show that the interaction between CES placement and energy management system (i.e. control algorithm) is critical and can lead to both beneficial and negative impacts on voltage behaviour and real-power losses in the scenarios we analyse. These findings provide the basis for a more extensive future analysis to ensure that the adoption of CES can simultaneously deliver benefits for both customers and network operators.