Distributed energy storage planning in soft open point based active distribution networks incorporating network reconfiguration and DG reactive power capability

Abstract The integration of high-penetration distributed generators (DGs) with smart inverters and the emerging power electronics technology of soft open points provide increased controllability and flexibility to the operation of active distribution networks. Existing works on distributed energy storage planning have not fully considered the coordinated operation of these new power electronic devices with distributed energy storage systems, leading to less economic investment decisions. This paper proposes an optimal planning model of distributed energy storage systems in active distribution networks incorporating soft open points and reactive power capability of DGs. The reactive power capability of DG inverters and on load tap changers are considered in the Volt/VAR control. Moreover, soft open points are modeled to provide flexible active and reactive power control on the associated feeders. Hourly network reconfiguration is conducted to optimize the power flow by changing the network topology. A mixed-integer second-order cone programming model is formulated to optimally determine the locations and energy/power capacities of distributed energy storage systems. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is validated on a modified IEEE 33-node distribution network. Considering soft open points, DG reactive power capability, and network reconfiguration, the results demonstrate the optimal distributed energy storage systems planning obtained by the proposed model achieves better economic solution.