Strategic decision-making support for distribution system planning with flexibility alternatives

M. Troncia, S. Ruggeri, G.G. Soma, F. Pilo, J.P. Chaves, D. Muntoni, I.M. Gianinoni

Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks Vol. 35, pp. 101138-1 - 101138-19

Summary:

The ongoing power system transformation requires rethinking the planning and operation practices of the different segments to accommodate the necessary changes and take advantage of the forthcoming opportunities. This paper concerns novel approaches for appraising initiatives involving the use of flexibility from grid-connected users. This paper proposes a Decision Theory based Multi-Criteria Cost-Benefit Analysis (DT-MCA-CBA) methodology for smart grid initiatives that capture the complexity of the distribution system planning activities in which flexibility competes with grid expansion. Based on international guidelines, the proposed DT-MCA-CBA methodology systematically assesses tangible and intangible impacts, considering multiple conflicting criteria. The DT-MCA-CBA methodology relies on a novel approach that combines MCA and Decision Theory to identify the most valuable option in a complex decision-making problem by modelling the stakeholder perspective with the MiniMax regret decision rule. The proposed DT-MCA-CBA methodology is applied to a comparative case study concerning four different approaches for distribution system planning. A web-based software which implements the proposed decision-making framework and the DT-MCA-CBA methodology is developed to provide a novel decision-making support tool for strategical smart distribution system planning.

Spanish layman's summary:

Novedoso método basado en el Análisis Multicriterio, el Análisis Coste-Beneficio y la Teoría de la Decisión para problemas complejos de toma de decisiones mediante la modelización con el MiniMax Regret. El caso de estudio analiza cuatro enfoques diferentes para planificar el sistema de distribución.

English layman's summary:

The paper presents a novel approach with Multi-Criteria-Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Decision Theory to solve complex decision-making problems modelling stakeholders with the MiniMax regret. The case study concerns the analysis of four different approaches for distribution system planning.

Keywords: Cost–benefit analysis; Multicriteria analysis; Decision theory; Power system; Planning; Flexibility

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 5,400 - Q1 (2022)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segan.2023.101138

Published on paper: September 2023.

Published on-line: August 2023.

Citation:
M. Troncia, S. Ruggeri, G.G. Soma, F. Pilo, J.P. Chaves, D. Muntoni, I.M. Gianinoni, Strategic decision-making support for distribution system planning with flexibility alternatives. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks. Vol. 35, pp. 101138-1 - 101138-19, September 2023. [Online: August 2023]