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Using Mobile soft open points to enhance power balance capability between LVDNs through mobility multi-stage optimization

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Xuehan
  • Zhang, Lu
  • Zhou, Yue
  • Ji, Yuqi
  • Zhang, Bo
  • Tang, Wei

Abstract

The flexible AC/DC interconnection of low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs) using soft open points (SOPs) enhances load-carrying capacity and distributed generation (DG) accommodation capability through optimal power shifting considering the power complementarity between LVDNs. However, the degree of power complementarity of interconnected LVDNs is usually affected by the periodic change of load power, and the current fixed flexible AC/DC interconnection scheme plays a significant role only during some periods, resulting in a low utilization rate of flexible interconnection equipment. To tackle this issue, mobile soft open points (MSOP) are proposed to be used, which are vehicle-mounted SOPs with lightweight and can be installed/removed between LVDNs to achieve flexible interconnection. This paper proposes a multi-stage optimization method for scheduling MSOP. Firstly, the complementary characteristics and benefits of different LVDNs at various time scales in mobile flexible interconnection scenarios are analyzed quantitatively. Secondly, a nonlinear model is developed to assess the comprehensive moving cost of MSOP, taking into account the processes of removal, transportation and installation. Then, the mobility multi-stage optimal scheduling method for MSOP is proposed to enhance the intermittent power complementary capability and utilization capability of SOPs. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed method enables intermittent power exchange between multi-zone LVDNs through the mobile and flexible interconnection of MSOP to overcome the spatial interconnection limitations of fixed SOPs. It effectively addresses the short-term overloading issues in low-voltage distribution networks caused by the temporal and spatial mismatch between generation and load, enhances the power balancing capability between LVDNs, and simultaneously improves the economic efficiency of LVDNs and the utilization rate of SOPs, laying a foundation for future smart grid interconnection strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Xuehan & Zhang, Lu & Zhou, Yue & Ji, Yuqi & Zhang, Bo & Tang, Wei, 2025. "Using Mobile soft open points to enhance power balance capability between LVDNs through mobility multi-stage optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 397(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:397:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925011110
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126381
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    References listed on IDEAS

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