Probabilistic Planning for Distribution Networks including Optimal DER Regulation and Storage Allocation

The increasing penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in distribution networks is requiring smarter integration techniques, in order to guarantee secure system operation and grid reinforcement deferral. Distributed resources can contribute to voltage management through Volt/var regulation and, if storage devices are installed, to relieve congestions by leveraging smart control strategies. This work proposes a probabilistic planning formulation for the allocation of storage systems, to be optimally controlled together with other sources available along the grid feeders. The target is to minimize the number of storage modules needed to guarantee technical and quality constraints for all components. The presented approach is implemented in GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) and applied to the real distribution grid of Sanremo, Italy.