Utility-Driven Dispatchable & Non-Dispatchable DERs' Sizing Algorithms in Distribution Networks

Distributed energy resources (DERs) integration is increasing rapidly in distribution networks. Utilities and distribution planners need appropriate tools for sizing such energy resources; however, most simulation tools currently used do not provide comprehensive and practical sizing strategies for different types of DERs. In this paper, new algorithms for sizing dispatchable and non-dispatchable DERs using time-series simulations are presented, which have been implemented in the CYME Power System Analysis Software. The dispatchable DERs (D-DERs) sizing algorithms determine the size of the battery energy storage system (BESS) and other power electronics-based DERs with controllable output powers to mitigate overloads of a targeted asset in the network. This strategy improves the targeted asset's peaking capacity and defers its upgrading necessity. The proposed sizing algorithm of non-dispatchable DERs (ND-DERs) finds the size of DERs with intermittent nature, such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems, to reduce the number of overload occurrences of assets by a defined percentage. The proposed algorithms provide the dispatchable and non-dispatchable DERs' sizes in a reasonable amount of time for real-scale distribution power systems. In this paper, case studies in the IEEE 8500 Node Test Feeder demonstrate some of the proposed algorithms' technological advancement.