In the rapidly evolving landscape of China’s new power system, a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Power Construction* (Dianli jianshe) offers a novel approach to tackle the challenges of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power consumption and grid peak shaving. Led by Liu Haicheng of the State Grid Institute of Economics and Technology and a team from Xi’an Jiaotong University, the research introduces a collaborative planning method that integrates flexible resources with transmission and distribution networks, promising significant improvements in energy efficiency and grid reliability.
The study addresses a critical issue in modern power systems: the effective consumption of distributed PV power. As renewable energy sources like solar power become more prevalent, the grid faces increased complexity in managing fluctuating power flows and ensuring stable operations. The researchers propose a refined modeling approach that simplifies the intricacies of transmission and distribution networks while accurately capturing their operational characteristics.
“Our method ensures coordinated cooperation between transmission and distribution grids, which is essential for enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the power system,” said Liu Haicheng, the lead author of the study. The team integrated three types of flexible resources—demand response, distributed energy storage, and load transfer—into the distribution network layer. By doing so, they aimed to optimize the consumption of distributed PV power and mitigate the risks associated with reverse power flow and N-1 faults, which refer to the grid’s ability to withstand the loss of any single component without compromising supply.
One of the study’s key innovations is the improvement of the traditional Column-and-Constraint Generation (CCG) algorithm. The researchers adopted state evaluation and cut-set packaging strategies to rapidly solve the model, addressing the computational challenges posed by the massive N-1 fault candidate set. This enhancement is crucial for practical applications, as it enables faster and more efficient planning and decision-making processes.
The results of the study are promising. Using the XJTU-ROTS Area C example, the researchers demonstrated that their method increased the system’s new energy consumption rate by an average of 4.67% and reduced the reverse flow risk from 5.45% to 4.86%. These improvements highlight the potential of the proposed approach to significantly enhance the performance of power systems.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. By ensuring reliable load supply and increasing the consumption rate of new energy, the method provides a new concept for power system planning. “This study offers a practical solution to the challenges faced by modern power grids, particularly in integrating renewable energy sources and maintaining grid stability,” said Wang Xuyang, a co-author of the study.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of flexible resources and collaborative planning between transmission and distribution networks will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of power systems. The research published in *Power Construction* sets a strong foundation for further advancements in this field, offering valuable insights for energy professionals and policymakers alike.