Probabilistic Reliability Evaluation for Distribution Systems with DER and Microgrids

This paper presents a method for calculating the reliability of distribution systems with distributed energy resources (DER). The impact of intentional islanding of the DER units on the reliability is studied in detail as well as the impact of different switching devices. A Monte-Carlo-based computer program has been developed to simulate the performance of different typical distribution feeders. Details of the Monte-Carlo simulation and selected simulation results are given in the paper. The presence of circuit breakers and the reliability of the DER unit have a large influence on the supply reliability. The reduction in interruption costs is further determined by the relation between costs and duration