Multi-Objective Demand Side Management at Distribution Network Level in Support of Transmission Network Operation

This paper proposes a methodology for advanced demand side management (DSM) in the distribution network (DN), catering at the same time for the requirements of the network operator, transmission or distribution, the available flexibility of the demand side, and the preservation of network performance. The basic premise of the study is that the distribution network operator is providing flexibility to the transmission system operator through load shaping. Different, one or more, indicators can be chosen to assess preservation of network performance. In this paper, for illustrative purposes of the methodology, the steady state voltage stability index, namely the load margin, is chosen as the network performance indicator. This is evaluated before and after a DSM action, in order to analyse the possible effect of DSM on network loadability. Load at each DN bus is represented using a realistic composite load model comprising controllable and uncontrollable loads. The DSM is initially performed based on optimal power flow calculation to ensure that the distribution system load profile at the grid supply point follows the required (pre-specified) load profile during a 24 hour period. Following this, a particle swarm optimisation is used to modify DSM program in those time steps of the planning horizon where load margin is reduced. The methodology is illustrated on a number of case studies using modified IEEE 33 bus distribution network model. The results illustrate the extent to which the available flexibility of demand can be used in support of transmission network operation when the preservation of network performance and appropriate load modeling are considered.