energies

Editorial
Optimization Principles Applied in Planning and Operation of
Active Distribution Networks
Rene Prenc

Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; [email protected]

1. Introduction
Optimization principles play an important role in the planning and operation of active
distribution networks (ADNs), which are designed to handle the inrush of distributed
generation (DG) resources like renewables and, nowadays, battery energy storage systems
(BESSs) and electric vehicles (EVs). These principles help to optimize power flows, enhance
reliability, and minimize operational costs while accommodating the intermittent nature
of energy generation and variable patterns of consumption. Advanced techniques such
as mixed-integer linear programming, genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization,
and machine learning are commonly used to tackle challenges like voltage regulation, loss
minimization, demand response, cost minimization for DG investments and grid opera-
tion, network expansion, and even dual planning of electric and heating/transportation
networks [1–7]. The application of these principles is essential for developing an efficient,
flexible, and sustainable network that is transitioning towards a smart grid.

2. Review of Optimization Principles for Planning and Operation of ADNs

Focusing on specific objective functions that address both technical and economic chal-
lenges plays a crucial role in improving the planning and operation of ADNs. One common
objective is the minimization of power losses, which were otherwise substantial in passive
DNs. This can be solved through the proper installation of DGs, capacitors, BESSs, or dis-
tribution static compensators (D-STATCOMs) [8]. In the case of looped or interconnected
networks, reconfiguration is also a viable option and must be handled considering the daily
profiles of production facilities and consumers [9]. However, although installing DGs may
alleviate losses in some parts of the network, it can also increase them in other parts. ADNs
often experience increased losses due to the suboptimal installation of DGs and due to long-
Citation: Prenc, R. Optimization
distance power transfers. Another important objective is the minimization of operational
Principles Applied in Planning and
costs, which includes generation, energy purchasing, and maintenance costs [10]. Improv-
Operation of Active Distribution
ing voltage stability is also a key objective, as maintaining voltage within permissible
Networks. Energies 2024, 17, 5432.
https://doi.org/10.3390/en17215432
limits and away from the voltage-collapse point is vital for grid reliability [11]. In addition,
demand-side management (DSM) is often optimized to align energy consumption with
Received: 29 October 2024 generation, thus reducing peak demand and flattening load profiles [12]. However, this
Accepted: 30 October 2024 must be included as an ancillary service to properly incentivize the included consumers.
Published: 31 October 2024
This can involve real-time pricing mechanisms or incentive schemes that encourage users to
shift their consumption to off-peak hours. Another important objective is the maximization
of renewable energy integration and grid hosting capacity, as ADNs must accommodate
Copyright: © 2024 by the author.
fluctuating power from solar and wind. The optimization model may incorporate variable
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. generation profiles, forecasting, and storage solutions to enhance resilience and flexibil-
This article is an open access article ity [13]. Optimization also focuses on minimizing emissions, where techniques are used to
distributed under the terms and prioritize cleaner energy sources, aligning with environmental goals. Moreover, enhancing
conditions of the Creative Commons grid resilience and service restoration is crucial in ensuring minimal service disruption
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// and quick recovery after outages [14]. Some techniques also target the reduction in power
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ imbalance caused by DGs, with objective functions ensuring a balance between supply and
4.0/). demand through flexible grid operation, all the while avoiding congestion and enhancing

Energies 2024, 17, 5432. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17215432 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2024, 17, 5432 2 of 4

overall efficiency [15]. A critical objective function in distribution network operation is

maximizing reliability and minimizing outages. This includes assessing the impact of
network configuration, equipment reliability, and maintenance strategies on the overall
reliability indices. Enhanced reliability often translates to reduced operational costs and
improved customer satisfaction. Network expansion is another objective which has a goal
to determine the optimal expansion strategy to accommodate future load growth [16]. This
involves minimizing the total investment cost while ensuring adequate capacity to meet fu-
ture demand [17]. The planning process incorporates factors such as the installation of new
substations, transformers, and distribution lines, considering both capital and operational
expenses. The integration of EVs into the existing distribution network includes optimizing
the location and capacity of charging stations to minimize network congestion and losses.
Objective functions often focus on load management strategies that can smoothen the
additional demand created by EV charging, thereby avoiding peak load issues [18]. Dual
planning of electric and heating networks adopts a holistic approach, where the objective
is to optimize the operation of both systems simultaneously to achieve cost savings and
enhanced efficiency [19]. This involves developing joint objective functions that consider
the synergy between electricity and heating loads, allowing for the sharing of resources
and infrastructure.
This Special Issue focuses on the following points, raising interesting questions while
expanding the current state of knowledge:
• The study in [20] reviewed advancements in technologies aimed at ensuring the
sustainability of electricity production, transmission, and consumption, particularly
highlighting solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for their low maintenance costs and
ability to reduce power losses through local generation. It emphasized the importance
of optimal location and sizing for PV projects to maximize financial, technical, and
environmental benefits in electrical systems. Additionally, this study noted that while
various mathematical methods have been used to model the operation of these systems,
most do not adequately evaluate the quality and repeatability of their solutions within
short processing times.
• The article in [21] discussed the role of microgrids as a bridge between reliance on bulk
power grids and the shift toward renewable energy sources, particularly in islanded
modes where local controllers must uphold power quality standards. It presented
a tool focused on tuning the parameters for secondary consensus-based control in
inverter-based islanded microgrids, addressing the challenge of managing many
parameters even in simple structures. This study utilized the design of experiments
to optimize parameter settings efficiently, demonstrating that this methodology can
achieve optimal outcomes with fewer experiments compared to traditional trial-and-
error approaches.
• The work in [22] explored the integration of renewable distributed generation into
electrical distribution networks as a viable solution for balancing energy production
and consumption. Various metaheuristic algorithms were employed to optimize the
allocation of photovoltaic and wind turbine distributed generation while accounting
for uncertainties in energy output and seasonal load variations. The results indicated
that the marine predator algorithm outperformed other algorithms in terms of speed
and efficiency, achieving significant reductions in seasonal active losses for the IEEE 33-
bus and 69-bus networks, through a multi-objective function that minimized multiple
technical indices associated with power loss and system performance.
• Paper [23] addressed the challenge of achieving total power network observability
in smart grids through the optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs),
which enhanced real-time monitoring and control while offering high accuracy due to
their increased sampling rates. To tackle the high installation costs associated with
PMUs, the authors proposed a novel Binary Firefly Algorithm (BFA) that utilizes
node degree centrality scores to minimize the number of PMUs required for complete
observability, considering the effects of Zero Injection Buses (ZIBs) and single PMU
Energies 2024, 17, 5432 3 of 4

outages. The results demonstrated that the BFA not only matched but improved
upon the optimal PMU placements achieved by existing meta-heuristic techniques in
IEEE test systems, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing system robustness and
measurement availability.
• Finally, article [24] highlighted the importance of managing flexibility in distribution
networks, driven by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and the
electrification of transport and heating. It emphasized challenges regarding the com-
monly used sensitivity-based approach for regulating voltage profiles with reactive
power from distributed energy resources (DERs), noting its inaccuracy under signifi-
cant voltage deviations and the absence of a systematic implementation strategy in
real-world applications. The authors proposed a new algorithm that calculates the
necessary consumer flexibility in near real time to maintain operational criteria, assess-
ing network states and sensitivities to optimize resource allocation, thereby enhancing
network flexibility and improving overall resource utilization through simulations of
actual distribution network data.

3. Conclusions
Given the diverse objectives involved in distribution network planning and operation,
multi-objective optimization approaches are increasingly used. These methods allow for
trade-offs between conflicting objectives, such as cost versus reliability, enabling planners
to arrive at balanced solutions that cater to multiple criteria. In summary, the objective
functions for distribution network planning and operation have evolved to accommodate a
wide range of factors, including network expansion, electric vehicle integration, demand
response, and the dual planning of electric and heating networks. The emphasis on
optimizing costs, reliability, and sustainability while integrating advanced technologies
positions these functions as essential tools for modern energy distribution systems.

Data Availability Statement: Data is contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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