Multistage Coordinated Planning of Active Distribution Networks

This paper introduces a multistage coordinated planning method for active distribution networks (ADN). The proposed methodology optimizes, in a coordinated manner, multiple planning alternatives, i.e., reinforcement of the existing substations and distribution lines, network expansion, as well as capacitor and voltage regulator placement in conjunction with the active management of distributed generation (DG). The active management considers the control of the active and reactive power output of the DG units. The proposed multistage coordinated planning methodology aims at minimizing the net present value of the network investment cost. To handle the high complexity of the planning problem, two successive planning procedures are developed. First, the location and capacity of the multiple planning alternatives are computed incorporating the active management of DG. Afterwards, using a heuristic approach, the time period for the commissioning of the computed network investments along the planning period is defined. To validate its effectiveness and performance, the proposed method is applied to a 24-bus distribution test system and a real-world 267-bus distribution system.