Influence of distributed storage systems and network switching/reinforcement on RES-based DG integration level

Nowadays, there is a global consensus that integrating renewable energy sources (RES) is highly needed to meet an increasing demand for electricity and reduce the overall carbon footprint of power production. Framed in this context, the coordination of RES integration with distributed energy storage systems (DESS), along with the network's switching capability and/or network reinforcement, is expected to significantly improve system flexibility, thereby increasing chances of accommodating large-scale RES power. This paper presents an innovative method to quantify the impacts of network switching and/or reinforcement as well as installing DESSs on the level of renewable power integrated in the system. To carry out this analysis, a dynamic and multi-objective stochastic mixed integer linear programming (S-MILP) model is developed, which jointly takes into account the optimal RES-based DGs and DESS integration in coordination with distribution network reinforcement and/or switching. A standard distribution network system is used as a case study. Numerical results show the capability of DESSs integration in dramatically increasing the level of renewable DGs integrated in the system. Although case-dependent, the impact of network switching on RES power integration is not significant.