Reliability investigation of electric distribution system with nano-grid architectures using hybrid dispersed generation (HDG)

In this investigation, hybrid generation systems such as photovoltaic arrays, wind turbine generators, and storage batteries, which are optimal in terms of multiple criteria including cost, reliability, and emissions are used to build nano-grid architectures integrated to conventional distribution systems. In this study, Hybrid generation systems under different design scenarios are designed based on the renewable energy sources. First, a grid linked hybrid system is designed without incorporating system uncertainties. Then, reliability evaluation is conducted based on probabilistic methods by accounting for equipment failures, time-dependent sources of energy, and stochastic generation/load variations. In particular, due to the unpredictability of wind speed and solar insolation as well as the random load variation, time-series models are adopted to reflect their stochastic characteristics. Sensitivity studies are also carried out to examine the impacts of different system parameters on the overall design performance.