Comparative Analysis of Possible Designs for Flexible Distribution System Operation

A massive amount of distributed energy resources will be connected to the distribution system in the near future. This emerging phenomenon will pose significant challenges to the traditional operation of distribution systems. This clearly calls for a growing need to develop novel grid designs for achieving the most efficient utilization of these resources while meeting the forecasted load.

In this paper, we present possible system design frameworks proposed for flexible distribution system operation. Critical evaluations and comparison of these models are made based on a number of key attributes which are foundational to the success of these proposed designs.