Alternate evaluation method for distributed energy resources based Solar PV for Indian utilities
Student name: Ms Chandana Sasidharan
Guide: Mr Sapan Thapar
Year of completion: 2018
Host Organisation: Idam Infrastructure Advisory Pvt Ltd
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Lalit Chaturvedi
Abstract: India is set to deploy 40 GW of Solar Photovoltaics in its existing distribution grid. The major
nodal agencies for the deployment process, the distribution companies (Discoms) are often
characterized by financial stress. These Discoms also spearhead energy efficiency improvement
activities including Demand Side Management and will also be central to storage deployment
including Electric Vehicles. To brace up for the technical and economic challenges posed by the
distributed energy this paper proposes a methodology based on the locational value of energy.
The methodology called Distributed Resource Integration Capacity Analysis (DRICA) is
applicable to a wide net of distribution energy resources and is based on the value of energy. The
method is based on modelling of the resources and optimization of the techno economic goals
using mix integer linear programming, pareto optimal front and optimal power flow. The
evaluation is performed using a micro, macro and hybrid approach using software tools such as
OpenDSS and Gurobi. The evaluation method helps in determining the optimal level of
distribution energy resources for a utility at different levels of the distribution network.
Integration Capacity Analysis, Distributed Energy Resources, Locational
Value, Optimal power flow, OpenDSS
