Planning of Distributed Generation Dispatch in Distribution Networks (original) (raw)

The volume of Distributed Generation (DG) capacity connected to distribution networks is growing quickly worldwide. Due to the inherent variable nature of renewable sources, such as wind or hydro, or low-carbon technologies, such as CHP, contracts are based on energy produced rather than power availability. Consequently, DG plants are typically not dispatched. However, an adequate dispatch strategy of these generators could provide a number of benefits to distribution network operators (DNOs). This paper presents, from the economic perspective of a DNO, a comparison between the integration of DG plants with and without dispatch capabilities. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to define the dispatch strategy (i.e., generation pattern) in a way that the costs related to energy losses and network investment (related to reinforcements and OPEX) are minimised. Here, small hydro generators (less than 30-MW of capacity, run of river), which are very common in Brazil, are considered given its (relatively) more predictable nature. Multiple small hydro DG plants are investigated considering a horizon of a year represented in twelve demand scenarios. The proposed methodology was applied to the IEEE 34-bus test feeder. Results are presented and discussed.