Demand Response on the Operation of Regional Distribution Network: An Australian Case Study

Centralised fossil-fuel-based generation is rapidly being replaced by more distributed and inherently intermittent natured Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Demand response (DR) is going to be a key component in preserving grid security of renewable dominant power systems in the future. Several commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in Australian regional/rural areas have a high potential for renewable generations and thus can obtain significant economic benefits by participating in DR. In this paper, the impacts of DR on regional distribution networks are analysed for different types of C&I customers. A representative Australian rural area distribution network is considered a test case for DR analysis. First, available DR mechanisms in Australia and the requirements to participate in these DR mechanisms are reviewed. Secondly, a steady-state analysis of the network has been performed to analyse the feasibility of DR participation and the impacts of DR on network performance parameters such as voltage profile, line, and transformer loading. Finally, daily load profiles of DR participants are used to perform a quasi-dynamic analysis of the network using the ToU tariff-based demand management strategy. The distribution network is modelled using DIgSILENT Power Factory software, and all steady-state and quasi-dynamic analyses are performed using this same platform.