Optimal Operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Radial Distribution Networks

In recent years, power systems are facing with various challenges arising from the increased share of renewable energy systems. Among all sections of power systems, distribution grids are affected the most since the majority of renewable energy sources are connected to distribution grids. As the penetration of Variable Energy Sources increases in electric grids, energy storage systems have become more influential. In this context, this thesis presents a new algorithm for the optimal operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems in distribution grids. The proposed algorithm aims to define the optimal operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems considering the network topology, the output power of Variable Energy Sources and the electricity prices from the one-day ahead electric market as well as real time control of the batteries through smart appliances. In order to do this, firstly a comprehensive study on the existing Optimal Power Flow methods is carried out. Then, AR-OPF which is a novel Optimal Power Flow method for radial distribution systems is presented and the required mathematical constraints, equations and parameters of Battery Energy Storage Systems for modelling in distribution systems are described. Then, the problem formulation and the proposed algorithm are discussed in detail. Further to energy storage as the main function of Battery Energy Storage Systems, the impact of the proposed method on other functions of Battery Energy Storage Systems such as voltage control, grid support and loss reduction will be investigated. In order to do so, the proposed algorithm is applied to the IEEE 34 node test system as a case study. This will be carried out through defining several different scenarios. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the size of the existing batteries and the electricity price. The thesis will be concluded by the findings and possible future works