Supply Restoration in Active Distribution Networks Based on Soft Open Points with Embedded DC Microgrids

Abstract

As disturbances due to natural disasters or man-made attacks intensify awareness regarding power systems’ resilience enhancement, the scientific community concentrates on exploring state-of-the-art technologies for emergency supply restoration strategies. Recent studies are increasingly focusing on the expanded flexibility of soft open points (SOPs) compared to conventional tie-switches to increase the restoration rate of critical loads; however, the potential of this novel technology is not limited to this aspect, with SOPs being used to improve the voltage level and increase the hosting capacity of renewable energy sources (RESs). This paper proposes a deterministic model for the optimal coordination of SOPs and distributed resources in an active distribution network (ADN) aiming at re-establishing the energy supply to critical loads after a prolonged interruption occurrence. At the same time, the support of DC microgrids with integrated RESs, embedded in SOPs, for the restoration process is explored. The efficiency of the proposed optimization model is verified based on a 24-h analysis performed on the modified IEEE 33-bus system, while considering the load and generation uncertainties as well.