Exploring Operational Flexibility of Active Distribution Networks with Low Observability

TL;DR

This paper investigates how to estimate and utilize the operational flexibility of active distribution networks when only limited system observability is available, addressing a key challenge for real-time system management.

Contribution

It introduces a new definition of distribution network flexibility that accounts for low observability and critically assesses existing methods under this realistic condition.

Findings

Existing methods require full observability, which is often impractical.

Low observability significantly limits the accuracy of flexibility estimation.

Case study demonstrates the drawbacks of current approaches in real-world scenarios.

Abstract

Power electronic interfaced devices progressively enable the increasing provision of flexible operational actions in distribution networks. The feasible flexibility these devices can effectively provide requires estimation and quantification so the network operators can plan operations close to real-time. Existing approaches estimating the distribution network flexibility require the full observability of the system, meaning topological and state knowledge. However, the assumption of full observability is unrealistic and represents a barrier to system operators' adaptation. This paper proposes a definition of the distribution network flexibility problem that considers the limited observability in real-time operation. A critical review and assessment of the most prominent approaches are done based on the proposed definition. This assessment showcases the limitations and benefits of existing approaches for estimating flexibility with low observability. A case study on the CIGRE MV distribution system highlights the drawbacks brought by low observability.