Siting and capacity configurations of static transfer switches for three-phase unbalance governance in rural distribution networks: a bi-level optimization programme

Introduction: Mitigating three-phase unbalance in rural distribution networks is a significant challenge, especially with the integration of photovoltaic and energy storage systems (PESS). While Distributed Static Transfer Switches (STS) offer a promising solution by regulating load phase sequences, conventional approaches are costly and inefficient, limiting large-scale implementation. Methods: To address these limitations, we propose a bi-level optimization model for the siting and capacity optimization of STS in rural networks. The upper-layer model focuses on minimizing investment and maintenance costs for STS, while considering branch loss reduction and three-phase unbalance mitigation. The lower-layer model aims to minimize three-phase unbalance in daily operations, with the integration of PESS. We use the hyperparameter alternating iteration (HAI) method to iteratively refine the bi-level model and obtain optimal planning and operational solutions. Results: We applied the proposed model to an IEEE-13 benchmark case study. The results demonstrated that the bi-level optimization approach effectively reduced three-phase unbalance in the rural distribution system while minimizing STS planning costs. Discussion: This innovative approach provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for mitigating three-phase unbalance in rural distribution networks, enhancing the feasibility of large-scale STS deployment. The integration of PESS further contributes to system stability, making this model a robust tool for future network planning.