Multi-objective Day-ahead Polarity Switching Optimization for Voltage Unbalance in Bipolar DC Distribution Networks

Bipolar direct current (DC) distribution networks can effectively improve the connection flexibility for renewable generations and loads. In practice, concerns regarding the potential voltage unbalance issue of the distribution networks and the frequency of switching still remain. This paper proposes a day-ahead polarity switching strategy to reduce voltage unbalance by optimally switching the polarity of renewable generations and loads while minimizing the switching times simultaneously in the range of a full day. First, a multi-objective optimization model is constructed to minimize the weighted sum of voltage unbalance factors and the sum of number of switching actions in the day based on the power flow model. Second, a two-step solution strategy is proposed to solve the optimization model. Finally, the proposed strategy is validated using 11-node and 34-node distribution networks as case studies, and a switching and stabilizing device is designed to enable unified switching of renewable generations and loads. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can effectively reduce the switching times without affecting the improvement of voltage balance.