A Clustering-based Microgrid Planning for Resilient Restoration in Power Distribution System

With frequent natural disasters, there is an increasing need to improve the power distribution systems' resiliency. One potential solution is the utilization of microgrids with distributed energy resources (DERs) to increase the probability of critical load restoration. In this paper, a clustering-based method is proposed to increase the probability of critical loads being picked up after natural disasters while reducing the distribution system power loss in the DER planning stage. This approach utilizes distribution network topology and DERs to form multiple microgrids based on load density. Optimal DERs locations to maximize the restoration path availability is also identified using this approach. The proposed method is tested using IEEE 37-node feeder with two cases, one with three DERs and the other with six DERs, to restore eight critical loads. The results show the proposed method effectively identifies the optimal restoration paths to form microgrids while reducing the power loss during normal operations.