Minimizing energy losses: Optimal accommodation and smart operation of renewable distributed generation

Abstract

The problem of minimizing losses in distribution networks has traditionally been investigated using a single, deterministic demand level. This has proved to be effective since most approaches are generally able to also result in minimum overall energy losses. However, the increasing penetration of (firm and variable) distributed generation (DG) raises concerns on the actual benefits of loss minimization studies that are limited to a single demand/generation scenario. Here, a multiperiod AC optimal power flow (OPF) is used to determine the optimal accommodation of (renewable) DG in a way that minimizes the system energy losses. In addition, control schemes expected to be part of the future Sm..