Integrating wet appliances with delay functionality in distribution network operation and planning

Due to the lack of observability and controllability in existing distribution networks, the traditional operation and planning framework makes the oversimplifying assumption that customers’ demand can be either supplied or shed at a cost determined by a benchmark value of lost load (VoLL). For most load appliances however, the users are more likely to shift their operation in time than completely avoiding using them. Driven by the advanced metering and control capabilities of the emerging smart grid, this paper develops a model of distribution network operation and planning integrating this time-shifting flexibility and accounting for the associated customers’ inconvenience cost. The paper focuses specifically on wet appliances (WA) with delay functionality, given their significant penetration, energy consumption and time-shifting flexibility. Case studies on a typical UK HV distribution network demonstrate the value of such flexibility in reducing network operating costs and postponing network reinforcements.