Enhancing the integration of renewable sources in distribution systems using DC-links

This work proposes the use of DC-links between existing radial distribution feeders so that full advantage is taken of their maximum capacity, which is particularly important when new distributed generators are to be connected at the distribution level. An optimization tool is developed to determine the optimum settings for the DC-link control variables, in order to maximize the penetration of dispersed sources subject to customary electrical constraints. Simulation results regarding two real networks are presented to illustrate the former advantages. Also, improvements in system operation resulting from the presence of DC-links are studied and discussed. A real loss model for the DC link is considered in all test cases.