Optimal Low-voltage Distribution Topology with Integration of PV and Storage for Rural Electrification in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Cambodia

Abstract

This paper addresses an optimal design of low-voltage (LV) distribution network for rural electrification considering photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES). It aims at searching for an optimal topology of an LV distribution system as well as the siting and sizing of PV and storage over a time horizon of 30 years. Firstly, the shortest-path algorithm (SPA) and first-fit bin-packing algorithm (FFBPA) are used to search for the optimal radial topology that minimizes the total length of the distribution line and improves the load balancing. Then, the optimal siting of decentralized BES (DeBES) is determined using a genetic algorithm (GA) to eliminate the undervoltage constraints due to the load consumption. Two iterative techniques are elaborated to size the maximum peak power of PV and the minimum number of DeBES that can be connected to an LV network without violating the voltage and current constraints. Then, the sizing strategy of centralized BES (CeBES) is developed to avoid reverse power flows into the medium-voltage (MV) network. Finally, a Monte Carlo approach is used to study the impact of load profile uncertainties on the topology. A non-electrified village in Cambodia has been chosen as a case study.