Active distribution network expansion planning considering microgrids for supplying critical loads

The expansion planning of active distribution networks is a crucial aspect of modern power system planning. In recent years, there has been an increasing need to consider the integration of microgrids in these networks. To address this challenge, a new model has been proposed that enables different options for increasing the capacity of existing substations, adding new ones, allocating and utilizing distributed generation units, changing feeders, load shedding, replacing conductors, and determining the structure of microgrids in islanded operation mode. This innovative model considers the present value of the entire costs of installation, maintenance, and operation of the network and microgrids, as well as the costs involved with distributed generation units to form the objective function. The resulting mixed integer nonlinear model is highly efficient and has been successfully simulated and examined on a test network.