Long-term planning of low-voltage networks using reference network models : Slovenian use case

Knez, Klemen (author), Herman, Leopold (author), Ilkovski, Marjan (author), Blažič, Boštjan (author)

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pumps (HPs) presents significant challenges for low-voltage (LV) distribution networks, requiring advanced planning methodologies to ensure grid reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, existing studies primarily focus on individual network simulations, which are computationally intensive and lack scalability. Moreover, most research relies on synthetic network models rather than real-world distribution system operator (DSO) data, limiting practical applicability. This study addresses these gaps by developing a Reference Network Model (RNM) tailored to the Slovenian LV distribution system. The first objective is to establish reference radial network models based on real DSO data, enabling simulation generalization across the entire distribution network. Using k-medoids clustering, LV networks are categorized into representative groups, facilitating efficient analysis without exhaustive individual network simulations. The second objective is to develop a generalization methodology that extrapolates simulation results from reference networks to the entire LV distribution system. Unlike conventional RNM applications, this approach integrates real-world Slovenian DSO data and incorporates scenario-based reinforcement planning to address the evolving impact of DERs, EVs, and HPs. A key result is cost-benefit analysis, which evaluates investment requirements and operational savings, offering insights for policymakers and DSOs to optimize network planning. Simulation results indicate that most required reinforcements will focus on LV line upgrades, particularly in regions with long feeders and high demand growth. The findings demonstrate that the proposed methodology significantly reduces computational burdens while maintaining high accuracy in predicting network reinforcement needs, making it a scalable and practical tool for long-term distribution system planning.

• Language: English
• Keywords: low-voltage distribution networks, network planning, clustering methods, reference network models, power system infrastructure investment
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FE - Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 17 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 168, art. 110707
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-168899
• UDC: 621.31
• ISSN on article: 1879-3517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2025.110707
• COBISS.SI-ID: 234886659
• Publication date in RUL: 06.05.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: International journal of electrical power & energy systems
• Shortened title: Int j. electr. power energy syst.
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1879-3517
• COBISS.SI-ID: 23398917

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: nizkonapetostna distribucijska omrežja, načrtovanje omrežja, metode gručenja, referenčni modeli omrežja, investicije v elektroenergetske sisteme

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Funding programme: Young researchers
• Project number: 17-MR.R958

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: L2-4436
• Name: Optimizacija obratovanja nizkonapetostnega distribucijskega omrežja z integrirano fleksibilnostjo v realnem času s pomočjo globokega spodbujevanega učenja (DRIFT)