Optimizing DISCOs planning for networks with distributed energy resources

This paper deals with distribution companies (DISCOs) point of view on opportunities of optimizing investments planning and operation costs, considering possible increase and geographical displacement of high consumption buses, increasing the consumption at different time instants in other buses, by optimally installing and sizing distributed energy resources. The optimization problem is sizing and locating the distributed energy resources within the grid. The results are used for minimizing the planning and operation costs associated with power losses, and for preserving the voltage level in all the nodes within the admissible limits. We want to compare the value of the investment costs needed to strengthen the distribution network due to the problems caused by the increase in the electricity consumption, with the value of the economic losses caused by the drastic reduction of the electricity purchased and transited through the network. In all moments, a perfect balance between generation and consumption, including the various operating states of the storage units, must be ensured. Optimal power flow is performed for determining the susceptible nodes and lines for reinforcement. The stochastic charging time of storage and electric vehicles supply, as well as the production from renewable sources will be also considered.