Optimal Operation of Energy Storage Units in PV and Wind Integrated Smart Distribution Systems

Energy storage systems (ESSs) facilitate high penetration and stable operation of renewable energy sources (RESs) in power distribution grids. ESSs could reduce the distribution system operational costs, decrease power and energy losses, reduce emissions, and increase the system efficiency. This research proposes an optimal energy management approach that considers both ESSs capacities and renewable energy resources impacts on distribution system operational performances. Different capacities of ESS along with various penetration level of PV and wind generators are considered and the system performance is evaluated. The system performance is investigated in terms of operational costs, power losses and emissions. The well-known PG&E 69-bus power distribution system is chosen for analysis. For more accurate results, the uncertain characteristics of PV and wind are taken into account while applying EMS during optimal operation of ESSs. Several case studies are created considering PVs and wind generations separately and collectively for ESSs optimal operations. Moreover, sensitivity studies has been done for calculating yearly system performance improvements in dollar values to validate the proposed EMS approach with ESS. The results demonstrate that efficient operation of ESSs along with EMS can considerably reduce distribution system operational costs, system losses, and environmental emissions.