Security Impacts Assessment of Active Distribution Network on the Modern Grid Operation—A Review

Abstract

The future grid will include a high penetration of distributed generation, which will have an impact on its security. This paper discusses the latest trends, components, tools, and frameworks aimed at 100% renewable energy generation for the emerging grid. The technical and economic impacts of renewable energy sources (RES)-based distributed generation (DG) on the emerging grid security are also discussed. Moreover, the latest approaches and techniques for allocating RES-DG into the distribution networks using specific performance indices based on recent literature were reviewed. Most of the methods in recent literature are based on metaheuristic optimization algorithms that can optimally allocate the RES-DGs based on the identified network variables. However, there is a need to extend these methods in terms of parameters considered, objectives, and possible ancillary support to the upstream network. The limitations of existing methods in recent literature aimed at ensuring the security of the integrated transmission-active distribution network under high RES-DG penetration were identified. Lastly, the existing coordination methods for voltage and frequency control at the transmission and active distribution system interface were also investigated. Relevant future research areas with a focus on ensuring the security of the emerging grid with high RES-DG penetration into the distribution networks are also recommended.