Sizing and Location Selection of Medium-Voltage Back-to-Back Converter for DER-Dominated Distribution Systems

TL;DR

This paper proposes a methodology for optimal sizing and placement of medium-voltage back-to-back converters to enhance DER integration in distribution systems with high photovoltaic penetration.

Contribution

It introduces a new systematic approach for selecting the best distribution systems, connection points, and converter sizes for MVB2B deployment in DER-rich environments.

Findings

Method effectively identifies optimal connection points and sizes.

Case studies validate the methodology's applicability across various scenarios.

Enhances DER integration and system flexibility.

Abstract

Medium-voltage back-to-back (MVB2B) converters can connect two distribution systems and quantifiably transfer power between them. This function can enable the MVB2B converter to exchange distributed energy resource (DER)-generated power between two systems and bring significant value to enhancing distribution system DER adoption. Our previous work analyzed and demonstrated the value the MVB2B converter can bring to DER integration. As continuous work, this paper presents a methodology that helps address the MVB2B converter sizing and location selection problem in distribution systems with high DER penetrations. The proposed methodology aims to address three critical problems for MVB2B converter implementation in the real world: 1) which distribution systems are better to be connected, 2) what converter size is appropriate for connecting the distribution systems, and 3) where the optimal connection points are in the systems for connecting the MVB2B converter. The proposed methodology has been demonstrated by case studies that include various scenarios involving distribution systems with different dominated load types and high photovoltaic penetrations.