Two-stage method for optimal placement and integration of distribution substations in low voltage networks

The ongoing energy transition imposes significant challenges on low-voltage networks due to the increased integration of decentralized generation and the rise of power-intensive loads such as electric vehicle charging points and heat pumps. These trends often lead to network overloads, necessitating strategic planning measures. Among these, the placement and integration of new distribution substations provide an effective but complex solution due to numerous variables and degrees of freedom involved. This paper proposes a two-stage method to automate distribution substation placement and integration. The method first identifies suitable areas for distribution substation placement based on load projections and geographic metrics. It then compiles affected low-voltage networks into a unified dataset and performs sectionalization optimization to minimize overall expansion costs, accounting for new distribution substation costs, line routing, and technical constraints. An application of this method to real-world networks demonstrates its ability to identify configurations with significantly reduced overall expansion cost compared to baseline scenarios.