Optimal current flow technique for distribution systems with renewable energy generation

This article presents an optimal current flow (OCF) technique for analyzing distribution systems with renewable energy generation. The overall aim of this study is to reduce the complexity of the traditional nonlinear models by representing the problem as a quadratic optimization network flow model with linear constraints. The objective of the OCF method is minimization of renewable generation costs with or without consideration of transmission losses. Taking advantage of the topological characteristic of the distribution system, the network constraints are represented by Kirchhoff current and voltage laws. In addition, the model considers the capacity limits of the distribution components (renewable generators, transformers and lines current flow). The robustness and fastness of the OCF method is tested on 34-bus, 69-bus, and 400-bus systems under balanced and unbalanced, conditions and in radial or meshed distribution systems under different load scenarios. The results demonstrate the accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed approach in determining the optimal operation of a distribution system with renewable energy generation.