Optimal Operation of Energy Hubs With Large-Scale Distributed Energy Resources for Distribution Network Congestion Management

TLDR

Distribution network congestion can arise as the penetration of distributed energy resources increases. The study investigates how energy hubs that combine multiple resources can alleviate distribution network congestion. The authors model an energy hub integrating CCHP units, heat pumps, and renewables, capturing the coupling among electricity, natural gas, cooling, and heat, and formulate a scenario‑based stochastic optimal operation strategy that uses gas‑to‑electricity during peak periods and exploits renewable output through complementary electricity, heat, and cooling. Numerical results demonstrate that the strategy exploits energy hub flexibility to reduce distribution network congestion under high renewable penetration.

Abstract

Congestion problems might occur in distribution networks as the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) progresses. This study focuses on the complementarity of multiple energy resources in energy hubs (EHs) to solve possible distribution network congestions. First, we consider an EH in which combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) units and heat pumps are integrated with renewable energy resources. The EH models the intrinsic coupling relationship among various energy carriers, forming a flexible operation where electricity, natural gas, cooling and heat can complement each other. Next, an optimal operation strategy of multiple energy hubs enables gas-to-electricity to provide local energy supply for EH during electricity peak periods, and consume renewable energy generation by the complementarity of electricity, heat and cooling. In addition, the uncertainty of renewable energy resources is taken into account via scenario-based stochastic programming. Numerical results show that the proposed operation strategy explores EHs' operation flexibility to mitigate distribution network congestion when we consider high renewable energy penetration in power systems.