Active Planning of Flexible and Cohesive Virtual Microgrids

This paper focuses on using multi-objective, bi-level, mixed-integer optimization process for active planning in active distribution networks based on virtual microgrids. The authors optimize the planning of an Active Distribution Network by configuring distributed generation and energy storage systems to cope with the stochastic uncertainty caused by forecast errors in wind speed and loads. To do this, flexibility reserves are needed, and the authors quantify the relationship between flexibility and uncertainty by defining an innovative cohesion index. This index is used to penalize operational costs and improve system self-sufficiency. Based on the optimization result of a real-world 240-bus distribution network in Midwest U.S., case studies are made to show the importance of including the Virtual Microgrid cohesion and flexibility.