Hierarchical Optimal Dispatch of Active Distribution Networks Considering Flexibility Auxiliary Service of Multi-Community Integrated Energy Systems

Active distribution networks (ADNs) are the main platforms for carrying large-scale distributed renewable energy and flexible resources, and multi-community integrated energy systems (MCIESs) may become important flexibility supply resources owing to their multi-energy synergistic and complementary advantages. To fully utilize the flexible regulation potential of MCIESs, a novel hierarchical stochastic dispatch approach for ADNs that considers flexibility auxiliary services of MCIESs is proposed. In this approach, a flexibility auxiliary service pricing strategy that combines adjustment cost and flexibility margin is established by evaluating the system operational flexibility. In addition, considering renewable uncertainty, an MCIES-ADN flexibility interaction mechanism based on insufficient flexibility risk is designed to optimize their operation strategies and reduce the uncertainty risk. In the solution phase, an analytical target cascading theory-based distributed solving method is developed to realize decoupling and parallel solving of multiple stakeholders. The simulation results for a PG&E 69-node system with three integrated energy systems demonstrate that the proposed approach not only improves MCIES revenue but also enhances distribution network flexibility to consume renewable energy, which provides a fundamental way for efficient application of regional mutual aid.