Supporting the development of robust strategies for asset replacement in electricity distribution grid

Abstract

Managing grid assets is an ongoing task for electricity distribution network operators (DNOs). Deep uncertainties especially in energy sustainability and flexibility make it difficult to forecast future electricity demand and corresponding grid capacity need. This makes long-term asset replacement strategy planning a complex issue. In this paper, a modeling method that uses the ‘sub-grid’ concept for supporting DNOs developing strategies is presented. It comprises three main parts: modeling the grid (complex system parameters), modeling demand scenarios as load patterns (uncertain input parameters) and modeling the asset replacement strategies of DNOs (multiple control parameters). Each part is introduced with examples. This method will be applied and further developed in case studies.