Efficient Battery Deployment in Power Distribution with Solar-Integrated Networks

High penetrations of the intermittent distributed energy resources in the distribution systems such as rooftop and community solar systems can lead to voltage control and flicker issues. In this study, an efficient vault-based battery deployment is investigated to mitigate the adverse effects of grid-connected solar systems on voltage rise and flicker with minimum cost. The fast fluctuations in solar power can be remedied by addition of aggregated battery storage systems into the distribution system. A Linear Programming (LP) optimization problem is used that enables the utility to determine the optimum battery size for both energy and power ratings. Technical constraints such as ramp rate control and charge/discharge cycles factors affecting battery degradation are also taken into consideration. Furthermore, an optimum battery dispatch algorithm is developed through the LP optimization problem. Analysis shows that high power ratings is needed to compensate for rapid fluctuations in the solar profile, whereas the required energy capacity is much less, and using a fast-response storage device along with the battery can significantly reduce the battery size and reduce battery costs.