Quantifying the Flexibility by Energy Storage Systems in Distribution Networks with Large-Scale Variable Renewable Energy Sources

To counter the intermittent nature of variable Renewable Energy Sources (vRESs), it is necessary to deploy new technologies that increase the flexibility dimension in distribution systems. In this framework, the current work presents an extensive analysis on the level of energy storage systems (ESSs) in order to add flexibility, and handle the intermittent nature of vRS. Moreover, this work provides an operational model to optimally manage a distribution system that encompasses large quantities of vRESs by means of ESSs. The model is of a stochastic mixed integer linear programming (MILP) nature, which uses a linearized AC optimal power flow network model. The standard IEEE 119-bus test system is used as a case study. Generally, numerical results show that ESSs enable a much bigger portion of the final energy consumption to be met by vRES power, generated locally.