A collaborative restoration strategy of resilient distribution system with the support of electric bus clusters

• A restoration flexibility quantification method is developed for EB clusters. • A two-step collaborative restoration strategy for the resilient DS is proposed. • Uncertainties associated with the EB cluster dispatch time and renewables power outputs are well addressed by using rolling optimization method. The widespread deployment of electric buses (EBs) offers substantial flexibility resources to support the service restoration and enhance the resilience of distribution system (DS). Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive and collaborative service restoration strategy for resilient DS, considering the support of EBs. First, the restoration flexibility model for EBs is derived, which quantifies the restoration capability of EBs by dividing effective EB clusters. This model is integrated into the DS restoration process. Then, a two-step collaborative restoration method of DS is proposed with the aim of minimizing the load curtailment cost. The first step addresses the restoration planning problem to determine the dispatch decisions for EB clusters. Based on above planning solutions, the second step focuses on the real-time restoration problem of DS, obtaining optimal restoration results through coordinating EB clusters and other local resources. In this stage, the impact of natural disasters on the EB cluster dispatch in transportation system is considered, and a rolling optimization method is employed to deal with uncertainties from renewables, load, and EB cluster dispatch time. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted using the modified IEEE 33-bus distribution test system and a 29-node transportation system to verify the effectiveness of the proposed restoration method.