A coherent strategy for peak load shaving using energy storage systems

In recent years, balance of power supply and demand as control and smoothing of peak load demand has been one of the major concerns of utilities. Hence, peak load shaving is a preferred approach to cut peak load and smooth the load curve. This paper presents a novel and fast algorithm to evaluate optimal capacity of energy storage system within charge/discharge intervals for peak load shaving in a distribution network. This method is based on reshaping of aggregated load profile (historical load profile), which observed from the main distribution substation to calculate required BESS size by simple and fast mathematical procedures. A case study of 22-bus model is analyzed in MATLAB (R) environment to determine optimal location of the selected BESS. Main contribution of this paper is (i) to find the optimal size (capacity and power) of BESS, (ii) determine the optimal location of BESS, and (iii) propose the BESS control strategy and scheduling for optimum operation. Different scenarios including the baseline case (without BESS), centralized BESS, and centralized BESS with PV are considered to reduce peak load demand and power losses, as well as to improve voltage profile during peak load hours. Simulation results indicate that all cases of BESS installation can significantly improve the operation of the distribution network. Simulation results highlight centralized BESS and PV as a compelling case to shave demand peak. All told, findings indicate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for peak load shaving by giving optimum location and sizing of BESS.