Energy management of distribution network with inverter‐based renewable virtual power plant considering voltage security index

Abstract

AbstractVirtual power plants (VPP) with resources and storages are able to control the active power of the network. They are also connected to the network through an inverter, which is capable of controlling reactive power. Therefore, it is expected that the optimal use of inverter‐based VPP can play an effective role in improving the economic and technical status of the distribution network. So, the operation of a smart distribution system is presented in this paper by considering inverter‐based VPPs constrained to the operator's measures. The weighted sum of expected energy loss (EEL) and voltage security index (VSI) is minimized while considering AC optimal power flow equations, restrictions of network's security, and operating model of the inverter‐based VPPs. Uncertainties with an origin of the amount of demand, renewable energy, and parameters of mobile energy storage are also discussed. The uncertainties are modelled using a stochastic optimization approach relying on the unscented transformation (UT). Evaluating inverter‐based VPP performance, providing models of flexible resources such as responsive loads and mobile storages, checking network voltage security status, and modelling uncertainties using the UT method are among the innovations of this study. According to the results, it is demonstrated that the technical situation of the distribution system is improved with the help of optimal management of the VPP. With energy management of the inverter‐based VPP, the suggested design has succeeded to enhance the operating status (voltage security) of the system by approximately 33–73% (12%) in comparison to power flow studies.