Synergizing hierarchical control architecture and ZIP models: Impact of distributed generation operation modes on load restoration

Centred on enhancing service restoration in energy systems, this study investigates the novel integration of Distributed Generation (DG) for a more decentralized and resilient electricity network. It aims to develop advanced control strategies specifically for rapid and precise service restoration, focusing on maintaining voltage profile and system reliability during outages and faults, particularly within high-penetration DG environments and various load scenarios. Employing a hierarchical control architecture, the study explores three main innovations. Firstly, a novel fault recovery framework emphasizing precise voltage control and resilience against heterogeneous load impacts and DG variability. Secondly, a predictive control method is adopted, utilizing voltage regulators and quasi-static optimization to navigate fault recovery, considering various system constraints. Lastly, a comparative performance analysis of AC and DC systems is conducted in fault recovery scenarios. Case studies underscore the enhanced system resilience and voltage performance due to DG operation modes. It is found that the proposed method exhibits the narrowest voltage fluctuation range of only 0.013 p.u., while also achieving the highest load restoration power of 2169.12 kW, which represents a 9.18% increase compared to traditional method.