Low-Carbon Optimal Scheduling of Rural Distribution Network Based on Carbon Emission Flow Theory

This paper develops a two-stage optimal dispatch model for a demand-response power system based on carbon emission flow theory. First, we design the mathematical counterpart for the economic dispatch of the rural distribution network as the first-stage optimization model. Next, we utilize the carbon responsibility sharing method to delineate the range of load-side carbon responsibility. Consequently, we propose a customized plan with stepped carbon pricing. Then, we calculate the load-side carbon responsibility and carbon emission cost based on the carbon emission flow theory. Subsequently, we model a two-stage optimization for low carbon optimal dispatch with demand response, and the carbon price is regarded as the signal. This promising solution leverages the load-side regulation ability to reduce total carbon emissions, consequently lowering the load-side carbon emission cost. Finally, we analyze two custom scenarios with the improved PJM-5 node system: 1) All power units are thermal power units; 2) The system operates with thermal power units and wind turbines. The results demonstrate that the proposed model accurately calculates carbon emission responsibilities and effectively reduces system-wide carbon emissions. This validates the rationality and feasibility of our proposed model.