Efficient Congestion Management: Optimizing Non-Firm Capacities for Maximized Grid Utilization
Khawaja Khalid Mehmood, Ranier Alexsander Arruda Moura, Anne van der Molen, Reinaldo Tonkoski, Peter C. J. M. van der Wielen, Phuong Hong Nguyen · 2024
The surge in renewable integration and escalating loads has posed significant challenges for distribution system operators (DSOs), resulting in increased congestion within distribution networks (DNs). This paper aims to analyze the impact of the new legal procedure to manage congestion in the Netherlands and optimize grid utilization for connecting new customers. Based on the comprehensive analysis, two optimization problems are formulated to address these challenges. Firstly, consumers share their demand forecasts with DSOs, who analyze the data to identify congestion points. In response to congestion, the DSOs employ the first optimization problem to optimize non-firm capacity limits, minimizing the cost of load curtailment. Subsequently, a second optimization problem is formulated to maximize grid utilization for connecting new customers. This problem identifies optimal loads that can be connected to each node in the DN. To solve these optimization problems, a hybrid genetic and pattern search algorithm is employed. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is evaluated using the IEEE 33-node test feeder. The results demonstrate a reduction in congestion and maximized grid utilization achieved by connecting new loads at each node of the DN.