A Smart integrated framework for resilience enhancement in distribution networks using multi-energy microgrids and distributed energy resources

Abstract

The growing incidence of high-impact, low-probability (HILP) events presents substantial challenges to power distribution networks, necessitating the development of advanced, resilience-focused solutions. This study proposes a smart and integrated framework designed to enhance system resilience by leveraging coordinated multi-energy microgrids (MGs) and distributed energy resources (DERs). The proposed framework introduces four key components: (1) a spatiotemporal resilience assessment approach incorporating robustness, survivability, and recoverability indices; (2) a hierarchical control architecture for MG coordination; (3) a hybrid stochastic–robust optimization model to balance operational efficiency and resilience objectives; and (4) data-driven, self-learning decision-making mechanisms enabled by real-time analytics. The framework is implemented on the IEEE 33-bus distribution test system with integrated electrical, thermal, and gas subsystems. Simulation results demonstrate its effectiveness, achieving a 60% reduction in outage duration, 95% retention of critical loads during contingencies, and a 52.5% reduction in CO 2 emissions per event. Notable innovations include the integration of bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) support, dynamic DER dispatch, and multi-domain resilience metrics. Despite resilience gains, trade-offs were observed—most notably, an active power loss of 8613.89 kW associated with a resilience index of –35.61—underscoring the need for adaptive weight tuning in multi-objective optimization. Overall, this work bridges theoretical concepts of resilience with practical implementation strategies, offering actionable insights for utility operators in both planning and real-time response contexts.