Optimal flexibility coordination for energy procurement in distribution networks

Abstract

The main goal of distribution network operator is to establish a balance between supply and demand at the lowest cost while considering the technical constraints. Nowadays, distribution network operators exploit various types of flexibilities to minimise operational costs. However, each flexibility resource has its own technical and economic characteristics. This paper proposes a day-ahead energy dispatch model which allows the distribution network operator to minimise the energy procurement costs on an hourly basis. The developed model considers various flexibility resources such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, demand response, optimal distribution system reconfiguration, and on-load tap changers optimal settings. The proposed model is formulated as a convex mixed-integer second-order conic programming model. It is implemented on the IEEE standard 33-bus and 70-bus radial systems to demonstrate its capabilities. The obtained numerical results substantiate the role of distributed energy resources in energy procurement cost reduction, while the impact of distribution system reconfiguration and on-load tap changers on voltage profile improvement.