Prospects of a Meshed Electrical Distribution System Featuring Large-Scale Variable Renewable Power

Marco R. M. Cruz, Desta Z. Fitiwi, Sérgio F. Santos, Sílvio J. P. S. Mariano and João P. S. Catalão
Additional contact information
Marco R. M. Cruz: C-MAST, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Desta Z. Fitiwi: Energy and Environment Department, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
Sérgio F. Santos: C-MAST, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Sílvio J. P. S. Mariano: Instituto de Telecomunicações and University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
João P. S. Catalão: C-MAST, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: Electrical distribution system operators (DSOs) are facing an increasing number of challenges, largely as a result of the growing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind power. Amid global climate change and other energy-related concerns, the transformation of electrical distribution systems (EDSs) will most likely go ahead by modernizing distribution grids so that more DERs can be accommodated. Therefore, new operational strategies that aim to increase the flexibility of EDSs must be thought of and developed. This action is indispensable so that EDSs can seamlessly accommodate large amounts of intermittent renewable power. One plausible strategy that is worth considering is operating distribution systems in a meshed topology. The aim of this work is, therefore, related to the prospects of gradually adopting such a strategy. The analysis includes the additional level of flexibility that can be provided by operating distribution grids in a meshed manner, and the utilization level of variable renewable power. The distribution operational problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming approach in a stochastic framework. Numerical results reveal the multi-faceted benefits of operating distribution grids in a meshed manner. Such an operation scheme adds considerable flexibility to the system and leads to a more efficient utilization of variable renewable energy source (RES)-based distributed generation.

Keywords: electrical distribution systems; meshed topology; mixed integer linear programing; stochastic programming; variable renewable power; flexibility option (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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