A Multi-Level Collaborative Load Forecasting Method for Distribution Networks Based on Distributed Optimization

At present, new elements such as distributed new energy and electric vehicles have emerged in the distribution network, which changes the composition of loads, enriches the connotation of loads, and poses severe challenges to load forecasting. In fact, loads are aggregated in a bottom-up manner in multiple voltage levels of the distribution network, but such hierarchical characteristics are rarely considered in current load forecasting researches. Therefore, a multi-level load collaborative forecasting method based on the distributed optimization algorithm is proposed aimed at ensuring the bottom-up aggregation consistency of loads and jointly improving the performance of load forecasting at all levels. First, the distributed optimization concept based on the alternating direction method of multipliers is adopted to construct a multi-level load collaborative forecasting framework which adapts to the hierarchical characteristics of distribution network and has less data interaction. Then, a specific forecasting method based on the long short term-memory neural network and federated learning is proposed. By aggregating the bottom load forecasting results step by step, the bottom-up integrated load forecasting of distribution network can be realized. The results of calculation examples show that the proposed method has a high accuracy and a great application prospect. © 2021, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press. All right reserved.