Multi-Dimensional Indexes for the Sustainability Evaluation of an Active Distribution Network

Chenjun Sun, Zengqiang Mi, Hui Ren, Zhipeng Jing, Jinling Lu and David Watts
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Chenjun Sun: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Zengqiang Mi: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Hui Ren: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Zhipeng Jing: State Grid Hebei Electric Power Corporation Limited Economic Technology Research Institute, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
Jinling Lu: School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
David Watts: Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-24

Abstract: An active distribution network (ADN) differs from a traditional distribution network in many aspects, one of which is the integration of a large amount of distributed generation (DG), especially intermittent photovoltaics (PVs). The integration of intermittent PVs has both pros and cons for the distribution system. As the platform on which new techniques work and the main body of a greener future energy system, the development of an ADN has to be sustainable, need-oriented, and environmentally friendly, and the traditional technical–economic evaluation method cannot meet the requirements and provide advice in the decision-making process. Based on the concept of sustainable development, we used an ADN with the integration of a large number of distributed PVs (DGPVs) as an example and established a multi-dimensional index system to evaluate the sustainable development level (SDI) of the ADN. The analysis was based on a platform we built with consideration of the investment feasibility of the DGPVs’ investors, state and industrial policies, and their interactions with the distribution system. We first compared the development of DGPVs and the SDI of the ADN as the carrier of DGPVs under different state policies, and second, we compared the SDIs of three city ADNs with different solar resources and demand levels, but under the same state policy. The analysis results showed that different integration levels of DGPVs can be set for a city/area ADN with different solar resources and demand to achieve a comparable SDI, and a comprehensive incentive mechanism could be adopted for the development of DGPVs. In this way, the benefits of different parties can be considered at the same time and finally, the coordination of the sustainable development of multi-parties can be achieved.

Keywords: sustainability evaluation; distributed photovoltaic system (DGPV); active distribution network; multi-dimension index; GridLAB-D TM simulation software (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: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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