Synergies Between Low Carbon Technologies in a Large-Scale MV/LV Distribution System

Abstract

Power distribution systems are experiencing large deployment of behind-the-meter distributed generation and storage along with electrified transport and heat, requiring fundamental changes in planning and operation. There are increasing efforts to directly model real large-scale networks and conduct detailed analysis beyond conventional practices. Utilizing optimization methods to leverage distributed generation to the benefit of the distribution system and all customers is the ideal. However, progress towards adoption of such controls by system operators are impeded by concerns over privacy, regulatory and market issues in many jurisdictions. While these issues are being addressed, there may be opportunity to exploit the synergistic effect of mixing low carbon technologies (LCT). This paper presents a large-scale medium voltage (MV)-low voltage (LV) integrated system model building, scenario determination and analysis approach for distribution systems. Data with different formats from several databases are used in model building. In collaboration with the national distribution system operator (DSO) in Ireland (ESB Networks), a pilot study is conducted for a rural system in the Southwest of Ireland, highlighting the challenges of directly modelling real distribution systems and investigating the potential synergies between multiple low carbon technologies.