A line loss reduction optimization for renewable energy-based distribution networks using a probabilistic approach

The large integration of distributed generation (DG) and electric vehicles (EVs) facilitates daily life and reduces carbon emissions. However, it brings problems such as increased uncertainty and power electronic permeability to the distribution network. In this context, it is important to solve the line loss optimization problem as closely as possible to the real situation. Therefore, this paper solves the line loss optimization problem based on a probabilistic model of three-phase unbalanced modern power electrical distribution network. Firstly, the paper proposes a frequency domain model of the distribution network and the optimization problem model. Then, to deal with the uncertainty of the system, the point estimation method (PEM) and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) are used. Finally, this paper proposes two optimization schemes considering the power quality when single and multiple DGs are integrated. The simulation results demonstrate that the PEM using the Gram-Charlier series expansion of the fourth-order statistical moments to estimate the probability density function (PDF) is significantly less time consuming than the traditional MCS method while maintaining accuracy. The comparative analysis reveals that under the optimization scheme with single DG integration, the expected value of system line loss and expected line loss rate are reduced from 283.95 kW to 218.96 kW (22.89% reduction) and from 13.44% to 10.68%, respectively. Under the dual DG integrated optimization scheme, the expected value of line losses and expected line loss rate are reduced from 283.95 kW to 208.88 kW (26.4% reduction) and from 13.44% to 10.25%, respectively. However, after taking the uncertainty into account, the operational reliability of the system has been enhanced under different scenarios. In addition, it is found that the optimization approach incorporating multiple DG units can effectively mitigate the system line loss under diverse operational scenarios while enhancing the system's DG integration capability.