Multi-Level Evaluation for Flexible Load Regulation Potential in Distribution Network Based on Ensemble Clustering

With the rapid increase in the renewable energy penetration rate in distribution networks, the volatility and uncertainty on the power supply side have become prominent; thus, it is urgent to fully utilize the regulation potential of the flexible load on the user side to maintain the dynamic balance of power. A multi-level evaluation method for flexible load regulation potential based on ensemble clustering is proposed in the paper. First, a data-driven approach based on ensemble clustering is adopted to quantify the user-level regulation potential of flexible load. Second, the bus-level regulation potential of the flexible load is obtained by aggregation calculation. Finally, a quantitative evaluation of the system-level regulation potential of flexible load in the distribution network is realized by constructing three optimization models with different objectives. Case studies show that the proposed method can effectively evaluate the regulation potential of flexible load in the distribution network from multiple levels, i.e., user level, bus level, and system level.