A Sensitivity-based Approach for Optimal Siting of Distributed Energy Resources

TL;DR

This paper introduces a sensitivity-based method for optimally siting distributed energy resources in power systems, accounting for the effectiveness ranges of Lagrange multipliers and load variability, improving placement accuracy.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel sensitivity-based approach that considers the ranges of Lagrange multiplier effectiveness for better DER siting decisions, unlike traditional methods.

Findings

More accurate active constraint identification

Effective DER placement under load variability

Validated on IEEE test systems

Abstract

This paper presents a sensitivity-based approach for the placement of distributed energy resources (DERs) in power systems. The approach is based on the fact that most planning studies utilize some form of optimization, and solutions to these optimization problems provide insights into the sensitivity of many system variables to operating conditions and constraints. However, most of the existing sensitivity-based planning criteria do not capture ranges of effectiveness of these solutions (i.e., ranges of the effectiveness of Lagrange multipliers). The proposed method detects the ranges of the effectiveness of Lagrange multipliers and uses them to determine optimal solution alternatives. Profiles for existing generation and loads, and transmission constraints are taken into consideration. The proposed method is used to determine the impacts of DERs at different locations, in the presence of a stochastic element (load variability). This method consists of sequentially calculating Lagrange multipliers of the dual solution of the optimization problem for various load buses for all load scenarios. Optimal sizes and sites of resources are jointly determined in a sequential manner based on the validity of active constraints. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through several case studies on various test systems including the IEEE reliability test system (IEEE RTS), the IEEE 14, and 30 bus systems. In comparison with conventional sensitivity-based approaches (i.e., without considering ranges of validity of Lagrange multipliers), the proposed approach provides more accurate results for active constraints.