Micro Grid Planning Using Multi Criteria Decision Analysis for Loop Configured Distribution Network

Abstract

World power demand is continuously increasing and our conventional energy resources like fossil fuels are not only depleting but also an environmental hazard due to emission of greenhouse gases. Energy from renewable energy resources is green energy, environment friendly and a sustainable source of energy. To meet the increased power demand and for efficient utilization of resources, a lot of emphasis is put on distribution side of the power network along with increasing generation. In this context smart grid phenomenon has significantly transformed the whole power network. It not only allows the incorporation of renewable resources in the form of distributed generation but also supports efficient working of system through smart devices. Distribution side of the power network is a keen area of interest in the context of distributed generation. Distributed generation type and topology of the distribution network is also very important in this regard. Keeping in mind the future considerations in the context of smart grids and increased distributed generation, looped distribution network provides improved control, enhanced reliability and better security in comparison with radial distribution network. While we consider the impact of smart grid on power network with increased penetration of distributed energy resources, planning of the system carries key importance. Efficient planning strategies are required that can incorporate different conflicting objectives in a single planning problem by means of multi criteria decision analysis and provide an ideal solution to the planning problem. A three-stage planning strategy has been developed in this research. First stage focuses on potential looping of the radial test system. In the second stage, different scenarios with distributed generation in the system are considered for performance evaluation. Six conflicting objectives are taken into account for performance evaluation of these scenarios using multi criteria decision analysis techniques. Three different multi criteria decision analysis techniques are employed and compared with for better validation of the proposed methodology. Considering load growth in the system, proposed technique is also implemented under load growth conditions in addition to normal load in the third stage. Sensitivity analysis is done too for better comprehension of results. IEEE 69 bus system is taken as a test distribution network.