Integrating reliability and resilience to support microgrid design

Abstract: Quantifying the potential benefits of microgrids in the design phase can support the transition of passive distribution networks into microgrids. At current, reliability and resilience are the main drivers for this transition. Therefore, this paper presents a mathematical optimization model to support the retrofitting of distribution networks into microgrids integrating techno-economic, resilience and reliability objectives. Storage and distributed generation are optionally installed to complement renewable generation, enabling the microgrid to supply priority demands during stochastic islanding events with uncertain duration. For a comprehensive quantification and optimization of microgrid resilience and reliability, islanding due to external events is combined with a detailed model of internal faults. Minimizing the interruption costs yields optimal capacities and placements of distributed energy resources and new lines for reconfiguration. The proposed method produces microgrid designs with up to 95% reliability and resilience gain and moderate cost increase in two benchmark distribution networks using data from the US Department of Energy. The developed methodology is scalable to large networks owing to the tailored Column-and-Constraint-Generation approach.