Installation of substantial numbers of distributed generation (DG) units in the distribution network results in a paradigm shift of generation from the top to the bottom of the power systems. Furthermore, energy storage systems, active demand such as heat pumps and the electrification of the transportation will become main part of future distribution systems, causing new challenges and requirements while planning and operating distribution networks. The mentioned devices influence the power flows significantly, causing the need for grid upgrades. Currently, distribution system operators (DSOs) face these challenges in a passive manner by conventional network reinforcement measures (passive DSO) without considering the frequency and duration of critical network loadings and voltage violations.
New technologies and measures become available which provide new opportunities to face these challenges. The implementation of these new technologies and measures such as on load tap changer transformers (OLTC), battery energy storage systems (BESS) or active and reactive power curtailment of DG can be summarized under the label Smart Grid. Related to Smart Grids there are so called Smart Market activities, which create values by managing consumers’ loads to provide market products or ancillary services. Collectively, the set of Smart Grids technologies and Smart Market activities can be named as smart options.
The regulation influences the planning of distribution networks, however as regulation differs in European countries and will be probably adjusted in the future no regulatory barriers for smart options are assumed in our study. Therefore the results of the project can be used to help policy makers to adjust regulation to new energy systems challenges.
As a consequence of the changing supply task and the emerging smart grid technologies and market options, the electrical distribution network planning process becomes more complex due to growing numbers of possible planning options and their interdependencies. DSOs have to adapt their planning process by considering smart grid technologies and smart market options to achieve better planning strategies, becoming an active DSO.
The smart planning project analyses how new distribution network planning guidelines should look like and how to find the most suitable expansion alternative between conventional network upgrade and smart options. The main issues addressed by the smart planning project are:
- How to evaluate smart options and incorporate these in common European innovative planning guidelines
- How renewable energies and flexible loads will affect distribution network planning activities as well as their grid impacts.
- Which expansion options are most economic under given circumstances/network topologies
To perform a comprehensive study and ensure that the point of view of all relevant stakeholders are reflected, the project focuses on various aspects of the 7th Framework Program of the EU and other related programs of European countries. This report is the result of the work performed by this consortium over the past three years.
