Optimization applied to electric energy distribution systems

Abstract

The development of mathematical optimization models and solution techniques to the problem of expansion and operation planning of electrical distribution systems (EOPEDS) are of great importance for distribution companies, due the annual growth of electricity demand and the need to supply customers with quality power, high reliability indices and competitive costs. Thus, high costs of investment and operation highlight the importance of the EOPEDS problem. The computational tools, developed from optimization techniques and heuristics, adopted in the planning process, can lead to substantial reductions in expansion and operating costs of a company. Therefore, it is important for the planning departments of companies, in the electricity distribution sector, the development of these computational tools for analysis and planning, that address the reliability and quality of supply of electricity economically, taking into account the amount investments to be applied in EOPEDS projects. Additionally, in the past decade, there was a constant growth, by the distribution companies, in interest in the automation and remote monitoring of the respective power distribution systems. The use of technology in automating the distribution process, together with the development of telecommunications, and control and signals acquisition software, form the infrastructure for building an intelligent network (smart grid). In this new paradigm of electric power distribution systems (EPDS) operation, new optimization problems have appeared, and need to be investigated properly. Besides the EOPEDS problem, this research project aims at developing mathematical models to solve new optimization problems in EPDS, among which we highlight: self-healing; Volt/VAr control; optimal operation of energy storage devices; charging of electric vehicles; and demand management. (AU)