Integrated Planning of Distribution Networks Considering Utility Planning Concepts

This paper presents a methodology for integrated planning of real-life medium-voltage networks based on the utility planning concepts. The research is motivated by the need to develop a methodology that would line-up with utility day-to-day businesses and could be applied in real-life. Its core is a two-stage optimization process, where the first stage solves the static investment optimization and the second stage considers operational problem. A probabilistic decision tree approach is proposed for the solution of the entire problem to consider uncertainties in the planning period. The overall formulation is given first, which is followed by details of the investment model and outlines of the proposed operation planning. The novelty of the investment problem, which determines optimal network reinforcements, is explicit modelling of network security constraints of radially operated networks, whilst considering different operating regimes. Additional novel features include modelling of real-life supply restoration rules through network reconfiguration and optimal placement of new switching devices, as well as consideration of ‘customer flows’ on the network. Connection of new distributed generation and demand centers and construction of circuits on new corridors are also included. Two investment models are formulated as mixed-integer non-linear optimization problems, tested on several MV networks and compared with established methods. The proposed operational problem is solved in two stages, quality-of-supply and operation cost optimization. Computational aspects are also presented.