A Probabilistic Approach for Operation of Power Distribution Networks in a Pre-Smart Grid Environment

In this paper, a methodology is presented to improve the electric distribution network performance by exploring the reactive power dispatch capability of distributed generation units (DGs), considering the uncertainties inherent to the process, in a probabilistic way. In this methodology, based on sensitivity matrices, electrical distribution networks are divided into clusters and each cluster receives a DG setpoint, defined without online communications between DGs and distributors (defined as pre-smart grid environment). Furthermore, a methodology with probabilistic approach is proposed in this paper to operate an electric power distribution network with DGs in a pre-smart grid environment. The results allowed to consider the degree of uncertainty associated with one or more input variables and how these can affect the expected results. The adoption of probabilistic methods tends to be closer to reality as they can consider the uncertainties associated with each input variable.