Planning and Management of Distributed Energy Resources for Achieving the Target Renewable Energy Rate in Distribution Systems

Distributed energy resources (DERs) such as photovoltaics (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) are effective for improving the target renewable energy (RE) rate in a region. Furthermore, it is expected that distribution system operators (DSOs) will promote their installation in the future. However, it is not enough for DSOs to simply install large-capacity PV and BESS. They need to determine these capacities by taking into account the cost reduction of equipment and the constraints on grid operation. In this paper, we propose a DER installation capacity optimization method based on linear programming using annual data and a layout method from the operator’s perspective. This method determines the capacity of DERs based on the target RE utilization rate in a controlled area of a distribution system. Furthermore, we report the results of an analysis of power flow when the DER is introduced. Moreover, we estimate the actual required capacity of DERs for a real 2-feeder distribution system model. In addition, power flow calculations are performed for a typical day where that amount of DERs were installed. The results were evaluated in terms of grid voltage, thermal capacity of line, and distribution losses, and the necessary controls were discussed.