Reliability optimization of smart grid based on optimal allocation of protective devices, distributed energy resources, and electric vehicle/plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging stations

Abstract

There is a knowledge gap to introduce a comprehensive simultaneous optimal allocation of protective devices, distributed generation units, and electric vehicle/plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging stations. This paper tries to fill such a knowledge gap by proposing a method that simultaneously considers all discussed optimization variables. In the proposed hierarchical optimization method, three stages and seven scenarios are introduced. Because of the complexity increment of optimization problem as well as the number of the optimization variables, it is useful to have the criteria for the results cross-checking. In the proposed hierarchical optimization method, the third stage optimization results which consist of all three types of optimization variables are examined with those of first and second stages. To illustrate the advantages of the proposed method, it applies to the IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus test systems in the widespread presence of non-renewable and renewable distributed generation units, e.g. wind turbine and photovoltaic power plants, and electric vehicles. The hierarchical optimization method comparison results of different stages determine the importance of any variable type on the system reliability. By getting insight into how any variable affects the system reliability, it is possible to investigate the most effective corrective and improving solutions.