Sensitivity Analysis for Optimal Operation of Power Distribution Networks
Abstract
Power generation is transitioning away from centralized electricity generation facilities with theincrease of energy consumption from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. Along withrising demand for electric vehicle charging, this shift strains the electric grid. With limitedenergy storage options, most generated energy must be consumed immediately. To deliverenergy efficiently, voltage and frequency must be maintained at stable levels. The integrationof distributed renewable sources, directly connected to the distribution grid, can produce largevariations in supply and demand, reducing efficiency. This increases the complexity of operations and requires improved methods for network monitoring and control. In this thesis, amodified case4 dist distribution network is used to develop a dynamic model in state-spaceform to analyze voltage sensitivity and transient response in the system. The performanceof the dynamic model is compared with solutions of power flow equations solved using thewell-established Newton-Raphson method. The results show that the discrepancy between themodels is minimal. The voltage sensitivity analysis reveals how load changes affect the busvoltages of the network. Transient voltage response analysis shows high voltage variation andthe rapid convergence to the nominal values. The model can be integrated with advancedanalysis and control design to improve the efficiency and reliability of distribution networkoperations, and it is proposed as future work.