Coordinated Optimal Power Flow for Integrated Active Distribution Network and Virtual Power Plants Using Decentralized Algorithm

With the wide application of distributed energy technology in active distribution networks (ADNs), virtual power plants (VPPs) are introduced as a promising integration and management technology. To coordinate their operation schedule and ensure confidentiality, we establish a coordinated optimal power flow (OPF) model and propose an efficient decentralized algorithm based on multi-parametric quadratic programming and Benders decomposition. In feasible sub-problems, the quadratic exchanging functions are built, which greatly accelerates the convergence process. In infeasible sub-problems, feasible cut sets can be calculated based on benders decomposition. Besides, an effective relaxation method is developed to address the degeneracy problem. To eliminate redundant feasible cut sets, a predetermined feasible region is constructed according to the characteristics of each VPP. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated via numerical tests using two cases of different scales. The results show that the proposed method converges much faster than some prevailing methods. Furthermore, the coordinated OPF has a better fuel economy than the conventional OPF scheme.

Automated summary

A coordinated optimal power flow (OPF) model is established and an efficient decentralized algorithm is proposed, demonstrating faster convergence and better fuel economy compared to prevailing methods through numerical tests.