Decision support methodologies and tools are needed to plan the future robust, flexible, and intelligent distribution system. This includes a cost-efficient utilization of existing and new infrastructure, to reduce investment costs, and at the same time control risks. This research subtopic contributes to socioeconomically sound development of the future active distribution grid.

An initial report presented relevant planning methodologies and the current practice for grid development used by the distribution system operators [1], describing the needs, gaps and opportunities for further research. A survey of tools used by system operators for distribution grid planning was also performed [2]. A framework for planning of active distribution grids in Norway was then developed, and illustrated by a case study which demonstrates selected aspects of the this framework with appropriate methodology [3]. A shorter version of this report was documented in a conference paper [4].

Flexibility measures, or the active utilization of flexibility resources (flexible loads, flexible power production, or energy storage systems) during the operation of the grid, is an important part of long-term grid planning. An overview of flexibility measures and the challenges that they may contribute to solving in the grid is presented in [5]. This work puts power system flexibility in the framework for active distribution grid planning.

Results from the in-kind project FuChar, aiming to reduce investment- and operational costs due to grid integration of electric transport, also support the research in this subtopic. This is especially related to electric vehicle (EV) charging profiles and the potential future impact on the power grid from EV integration [6]–[9].

References:
[1]          H. Vefsnmo, T. S. Hermansen, E. Solvang, and O. Gjerde, “Planning methodologies for the future electricity distribution grid - needs and gaps,” CINELDI Internal (memo), 2019.
[2]          H. Vefsnmo, “Resultater fra spørreundersøkelse om verktøy brukt til nettplanlegging i distribusjonsnettet,” CINELDI Internal (memo), Mar. 2019.
[3]          I. B. Sperstad, “Framework and methodology for active distribution grid planning in Norway,” CINELDI Internal (memo), Aug. 2020.
[4]          I. B. Sperstad, E. Solvang, and O. Gjerde, “Framework and methodology for active distribution grid planning in Norway,” in 2020 International Conference on Probabilistic Methods Applied to Power Systems (PMAPS), Liege, Belgium, Aug. 2020, pp. 1–6. doi: 10.1109/PMAPS47429.2020.9183711.
[5]          I. B. Sperstad, “Flexibility measures in active distribution grid planning,” SINTEF Energy Research, CINELDI Internal (memo), Feb. 2021.
[6]          K. Berg, O. A. Hjelkrem, and B. N. Torsæter, “A proposed methodology for modelling the combined load of electric roads and households for long-term grid planning,” in 2020 17th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM), Stockholm, Sweden, Sep. 2020, pp. 1–6. doi: 10.1109/EEM49802.2020.9221888.
[7]          E. Ivarsøy, B. N. Torsater, and M. Korpas, “Stochastic Load Modeling of High-Power Electric Vehicle Charging - A Norwegian Case Study,” in 2020 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies (SEST), Istanbul, Turkey, Sep. 2020, pp. 1–6. doi: 10.1109/SEST48500.2020.9203102.
[8]          V. Lakshmanan, B. N. Torsater, H. Sale, and O. A. Hjelkrem, “Charging Profile Generation Tool for Grid Planning and Flexibility Assessment of EV Fleets,” in 2021 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2021 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe), Bari, Italy, Sep. 2021, pp. 1–6. doi: 10.1109/EEEIC/ICPSEurope51590.2021.9584522.
[9]          K. K. Fjær, V. Lakshmanan, B. N. Torsæter, and M. Korpås, “Heavy-duty electric vehicle charging profile generation method for grid impact analysis,” in 2021 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies (SEST), Vaasa, Finland, Sep. 2021, pp. 1–6. doi: 10.1109/SEST50973.2021.9543135.

Results:

• Active distribution grid planning – draft framework
• Case study on planning a fast charging station
• Guideline for the compliance of grid planning tool with EU overall strategies and regulatory conditions
• Practical application of active distribution grid planning to pilot area with new energy solutions
• Charging profiles for Heavy Duty Electric Vehicles
• EV fleet charging profile tool for grid planning

Smart grid development and asset management
CINELDI's Knowledge base