Coordinated planning for flexible interconnection and energy storage system in low-voltage distribution networks to improve the accommodation capacity of photovoltaic

The increasing proportion of distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) and electric vehicle charging stations in low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs) has resulted in challenges such as distribution transformer overloads and voltage violations. To address these problems, we propose a coordinated planning method for flexible interconnections and energy storage systems (ESSs) to improve the accommodation capacity of DPVs. First, the power-transfer characteristics of flexible interconnection and ESSs are analyzed. The equipment costs of the voltage source converters (VSCs) and ESSs are also analyzed comprehensively, considering the differences in installation and maintenance costs for different installation locations. Second, a bilevel programming model is established to minimize the annual comprehensive cost and yearly total PV curtailment capacity. Within this framework, the upper-level model optimizes the installation locations and capacities of the VSCs and ESSs, whereas the lower-level model optimizes the operating power of the VSCs and ESSs. The proposed model is solved using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with an elite strategy (NSGA-II). The effectiveness of the proposed planning method is validated through an actual LVDN scenario, which demonstrates its advantages in enhancing PV accommodation capacity. In addition, the economic benefits of various planning schemes with different flexible interconnection topologies and different PV grid-connected forms are quantitatively analyzed, demonstrating the adaptability of the proposed coordinated planning method.