STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS WITH HIGH PENETRATION OF SMALL-SCALE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES

In contrast with traditional approaches to optimal network design based either on the analysis of a small specific area or on idealistic networks, the proposed method determines optimal network design policies by evaluating alternative strategies on many statistically similar networks. The software is then a statistical assessment of a number of hypothetical but realistic networks (consumers distributions, types, numbers, network length, components, number of substations, etc), created using the concepts of fractal theory. Evaluating the cost of each particular design over a number of statistically similar networks allows statistically significant conclusions to be drawn. Modelling each load individually will reveal problematic operating conditions which were not considered when using a smooth load profile. Thus, each and every domestic load was represented by a different load profile and the impact on losses was evaluated. The software tool also allows the simulation of penetration of micro generation such as CHP and PV in the realistic distribution networks to determine the effect of DG in the LV system.