Optimal Siting and Sizing of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Low Voltage Distribution Networks

This study covers the problem of optimal placement and capacity of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in low voltage distribution networks to enhance grid stability, efficiency, and sustainability. The research focuses on simulating the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network under daily load profile and highlights significant operational challenges during peak demand periods. An approach using heat map visualizations was adopted to determine the optimal BESS capacity at each bus in the grid. This was aimed at maintaining stable voltage levels, with the constraint of installing only one storage system. Comprehensive analysis has determined that placing BESS on buses located at substations or at the ends of distribution lines is not an optimal solution. The optimal location is identified as the mid-bus of the longest line within the distribution network. The results can be further developed to focus on expanding the quantity of energy storage units throughout the grid to achieve peak operational efficiency and to reach the most optimal capacity.