A day-ahead energy market simulation framework for assessing the impact of decentralized generators on step-down transformer power flows

Abstract

The world wide expected high penetration levels of distributed generation technologies (DG) will modify the operation paradigm of power systems. In this context, this work presents a day-ahead simulation framework to predict, in quarter hour periods, the step-down transform power flow linking the interconnected power system with a distribution network highly penetrated by DG. The capability of integrating in a single platform the simulation of different types of loads, DG technologies and the network at both local and system levels, is recognized as the novel contribution of this work. By using an object oriented approach, different models have been integrated to represent the behavior of the DG. These models include weather changes, load management programs, and contract agreements between customers and suppliers. For the representation of loads, a clustering technique is used. Special attention is devoted to the representation of combined heat and power units and their dependency on weather conditions. Validation of the method and a practical application of the simulation framework to a case study, built with realistic data from German and Chilean distribution systems, are discussed. The results show the potential of the tool in the field of power system operation planning from both, the transmission and the distribution company point of view.