Optimization of Division and Reconfiguration Locations of the Medium-Voltage Power Grid Based on Forecasting the Level of Load and Generation from Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

The article addresses challenges in optimizing the operation of medium voltage networks, emphasizing optimizing network division points and selecting the best network configuration for minimizing power and energy losses. It critically reviews recent research on the issue of network configuration optimization. The optimization of the medium voltage power grid reconfiguration process was carried out using known optimization tools. The novelty lies in the inclusion of a probabilistic approach in the decision-making process in forecasting loads and generation from renewable energy sources (RES). Optimization studies utilizing heuristic optimization methods were completed, and an algorithm was developed for forecasting load and power generated from RES based on historical data and current weather data obtained from weather API. The solution proposed in the article allows multiple applications, including optimizing network division points’ locations (which decreases financial costs of modernizing network infrastructure) as well as improving the reconfiguration process, resulting in lower power losses while maintaining voltage requirements.

Keywords

• optimization
• MV network configuration
• power losses
• forecasting
• renewable energy