Optimal distribution system planning integrating soft open points under distributed generation uncertainty

As load growth and Distributed Generation (DG) connection in distribution systems increase in recent years, network reinforcements are required to avoid security constraint violations. In this context, Sot Open Points (SOPs) appear as a solution to defer network reinforcements by providing active and reactive power regulation. This work proposes a two-stage distribution system planning to cope with load growth and with DG connection under high uncertainty, comparing network reinforcement with SOPs installation. The first stage employs a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization to find the optimal network upgrades (Reinforcement or SOP) based on the expected load growth. The second stage uses a Monte Carlo simulation combined with a Linear Programming DG curtailment minimization to compute expected curtailment for multiple connection scenarios and hosting capacity levels. The results indicate that installing SOP can be advantageous from both economic and DG curtailment point-of-view in comparison to network reinforcements for the case studies considered regardless of hosting capacity target level.