A genetic algorithm approach for modelling low voltage network demands

Giasemidis, G., Haben, S., Lee, T., Singleton, C. and Grindrod, P. (2017) A genetic algorithm approach for modelling low voltage network demands. Applied Energy, 203 (1). pp. 463-473. ISSN 0306-2619 doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.06.057

Abstract/Summary

Distribution network operators (DNOs) are increasingly concerned about the impact of low carbon technologies on the low voltage (LV) networks. More advanced metering infrastructures provide numerous opportunities for more accurate load flow analysis of the LV networks. However, such data may not be readily available for DNOs and in any case is likely to be expensive. Modelling tools are required which can provide realistic, yet accurate, load profiles as input for a network modelling tool, without needing access to large amounts of monitored customer data. In this paper we outline some simple methods for accurately modelling a large number of unmonitored residential customers at the LV level. We do this by a process we call buddying, which models unmonitored customers by assigning them load profiles from a limited sample of monitored customers who have smart meters. Hence the presented method requires access to only a relatively small amount of domestic customers' data. The method is efficiently optimised using a genetic algorithm to minimise a weighted cost function between matching the substation data and the individual mean daily demands. Hence we can show the effectiveness of substation monitoring in LV network modelling. Using real LV network modelling, we show that our methods perform significantly better than a comparative Monte Carlo approach, and provide a description of the peak demand behaviour.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/72408
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.06.057
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Statistics Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Statistics > Centre for the Mathematics of Human Behaviour (CMOHB)
Publisher	Elsevier
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item