Performance Assessment of Flexible Links in Distribution Networks Using a Detailed Power Losses Model

The massive integration of distributed renewable energy resources is a reality in the current power system. In this new context with a greater volatility on the generation side it is required to incorporate new assets to provide additional flexibility to the system to accommodate as much renewable resources as possible. Among these new assets, DC or AC flexible links could play a key role in managing the power flows within radial distribution systems. These connected between distribution feeders may regulate the active power flow in a controlled manner and contribute to the network voltage support. However, the power losses of these devices can be a limiting factor of some functionalities. This paper integrates a detailed power loss model of several flexible link topologies for Optimal Power Flow algorithms with the aim of evaluating its impact on the functionalities of these devices. In this way, it is possible to benchmark the performance of different DC and AC flexible links in a quantitative manner by means of some key performance indexes. The paper proposes a case study based on the European MV benchmark with a high penetration of renewable energy sources to evidence the benefits and limitations that flexible links may provide.