Location-Invariant Assessment of Flexibility Potential under Distribution System Reconfiguration

Abstract

The growing integration of renewable and decentralized generation increases the need for flexibility in distribution systems. This flexibility, typically represented in a PQ capability curve, is constrained by network limits and topology. Distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) introduces additional degrees of freedom through switching actions. This paper proposes an AC-constrained methodology to assess flexibility under network reconfiguration, explicitly considering radial operation. The impact of topology changes on PQ capability curves, which serve as a measure of flexibility potential, is analyzed. To that end, a novel measure called location-invariant flexibility potential (LI-FP) is introduced. Results show that reconfiguration can significantly influence and improve operational flexibility. The approach presented enables transparency for system operators, facilitating improved coordination of flexibility providers.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: This figure displays the $\hat{\mathcal{F}}_{\mathcal{V}^{\uparrow\downarrow}}$ for different operational topologies in green. Gray surfaces display the . The topologies are displayed above for easy reference. The topologies were determined optimizing for minimal losses which produces balanced system utilization Hinneck2024. This balanced utilization also shows to maximize $\hat{\mathcal{F}}_{\mathcal{V}^{\uparrow\downarrow}}$ implicitly, unlocking flexibility in the system.
• Figure 2: This figure displays for the open ring, highlighted in Figure \ref{['fig:alldss']}, in green. The for the entire system are inscribed as dotted black curves for reference. Gray surfaces display .
• Figure 3: This figure displays the location-invariant hosting capacity for flexibility services for different nominal topologies.
• Figure 4: This figure displays the location-invariant hosting capacity for flexibility services for different nominal topologies.