Coordination of multifunctional distributed energy storage systems in distribution networks

This study develops a methodology for coordinated operation of distributed energy storage systems in distribution networks. The developed methodology considers that energy storage resources can contribute to their owners’ inherent activities and to a more flexible and efficient distribution network operation. The optimisation tool based on mixed-integer linear programming is developed to maximise the technical and economic value of distributed storage taking into account their multifunctional potential and the presence of intermittent renewable sources. The methodological developments are validated in a case study of a real medium-voltage distribution network with two storage systems coupled with a wind park and an industrial ‘prosumer’ (i.e. energy consumers who are producing their own energy). Results make evident the robustness of the methodology and enable the assessment of the technical and economic impacts of the integration of distributed storage. Moreover, opportunity costs for distributed storage to perform services to the distribution system operator are demonstrated.