Distributed Generation and Demand Response Effects on the Distribution Network Planning

This paper studies the possible benefits/overcharges for a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in the process of Planning the Distribution Network, when Distributed Generation (DG), and/or Demand Response (DR) policies are incorporated in the Distribution network. The results obtained for the design of the new grid with this participation are incorporated into the network planning process with different types of DG power plants and DR in their demand nodes, compared with the base case of demand obtained in the case of a network without changes in their consumption patterns neither DG incorporation. For the planning process of the new network in either cases, the classic Distribution Network Planning methodology was used, which is based on the classic economic theory of Minimum Total Cost (MTC) through which the Investment Plan of the Distribution Network of the Electrical Distribution Company is drawn up. The solutions obtained guarantee the supply of the power and energy demand of its customers at all times (all scenarios), minimizing the total cost equation and complying with the physical design constraints during the network planning horizon of 20 years. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to search for the optimal solution (minim total cost) in a technical-economic point of view of the electricity network.