Augmented operating envelope-employed network-aware integration of distributed energy resources

This paper presents a framework for integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) in smart grids, in which DER prosumers participate in a distribution-level market within network-aware operating envelopes while respecting network constraints. Augmented operating envelopes are devised considering distribution network constraints, distribution zone capacity caps, and the minimum system load (MSL) requirement to assure the security and reliability of the power system. The defined operating envelopes are in place to ensure secure import–export power by DER prosumers and to minimize prosumers’ grid exports when MSL occurs. An aggregator-based distributed market clearing mechanism is presented that integrates the proposed augmented operating envelopes and prioritizes prosumers’ preferences for effective energy management. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated via various case studies conducted on a real 102-node LV test feeder. The results show that the proposed framework can coordinate DER prosumers to trade in the distribution-level market without causing any network constraint breaches while contributing to the management of upstream network requirements, providing enhanced benefits of around 30% to DER prosumers, enabling the system with managed MSL to minimize its security risks and negative financial impact, and achieving the desires of electric vehicle (EV)-owned prosumers.