Optimal Planning and Operation of AC-DC Distribution Systems

现代电力系统依靠交流配电向终端用户供电。然而，新技术的使用，包括太阳能光伏发电场、电网规模的储能系统和电动汽车充电站，正在将大型直流网段引入这些以交流为主的配电系统。目前的工程模型没有也不能在配电系统的规划和运行优化中考虑这些重要的直流网段。其结果是，分销系统效率低下，这些新技术的所有者处于不利地位，进步被扼杀。 拟议的Discovery研究将通过开发支持其优化规划和运行的模型、理论和算法，来解决三相不平衡交直流配电系统缺乏知识和工具的问题。结果将使配电公用事业公司受益，他们将拥有这些优化系统的新工具，客户将受益于成本的降低和服务的改善，能源行业的企业家将获得新的投资机会。因此，研究成果将广泛传播给学术界、公用事业部门、工业界和政府部门，以确保被采纳。此外，这项研究将为学生提供一个令人兴奋的培训机会，以磨练他们的技能，并与该行业的专家互动。

Modern power systems have relied upon AC distribution to supply end-customers with electricity. However, the use of new technologies, including solar photovoltaic farms, grid-scale energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging stations are introducing large DC network sections into these predominantly AC distribution systems. Current engineering models do not and cannot consider these significant DC network sections in the optimization of plans and optimization of operations of distribution systems. As a result, distribution systems suffer inefficiencies, owners of these new technologies are placed at a disadvantage, and progress is stifled. The proposed Discovery research will address this lack of knowledge and tools for three-phase unbalanced AC-DC distribution systems by developing models, theory, and algorithms that will support their optimal planning and operation. Outcomes will benefit distribution utilities who will have these new tools to optimize their systems, customers who will benefit from reduced costs and improved services, and energy sector entrepreneurs who will have new investment opportunities. The research outcomes will therefore be disseminated broadly to academic, utility, industry, and government sectors to ensure uptake. Moreover, the research will offer an exciting training opportunity for students to hone their skills and interact with experts across the sector.