Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining active and/or reactive power flows in a distribution line of a distribution network. The determined power flows may be linear in nature, and they may further be used to determine an overall network power flow for the distribution network. Further, the network power flow can be used to determine a voltage magnitude for any distribution bus in the distribution network. The methods and systems are capable of considering a plurality of sensitivity factors that may affect one or more distribution buses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining active and/or reactive power flows in a distribution line of a distribution network. The determined power flows may be linear in nature, and they may further be used to determine an overall network power flow for the distribution network. Further, the network power flow can be used to determine a voltage magnitude for any distribution bus in the distribution network. The methods and systems are capable of considering a plurality of sensitivity factors that may affect one or more distribution buses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining value and placement of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating economic viability of a proposed microgrid, including uncertain variables are disclosed. One or more candidate distributed energy resources can be selected for use within a proposed microgrid. An investment cost and an operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources can be determined. A cost of drawing power from a main power grid can be compared to a sum of the investment cost and the operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources. The proposed microgrid can be identified for installation when the sum of the investment cost and the operation cost is less than the cost of drawing power from the main power grid.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining active and/or reactive power flows in a distribution line of a distribution network. The determined power flows may be linear in nature, and they may further be used to determine an overall network power flow for the distribution network. Further, the network power flow can be used to determine a voltage magnitude for any distribution bus in the distribution network. The methods and systems are capable of considering a plurality of sensitivity factors that may affect one or more distribution buses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining a distribution system's hosting capacity for distributed power generation. Hosting capacity may be assessed on a feeder-by-feeder basis. Performing a hosting capacity assessment may include randomly selecting spot load points in a feeder as candidates for installation of distributed power generation sources. The hosting capacity assessment may be repeated a number of times to ensure optimal results and to correct for any violations of system performance parameters caused by an addition of distributed power generation at a given spot load point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a hosting capacity in a distribution grid are disclosed herein. The methods and systems may use optimization models that consider operating conditions of a distribution grid having a distinct topology, characteristics, and predetermined performance parameters. The determination of a hosting capacity may first consider a lossless power flow model for the distribution grid, which may then be used to arrive at a maximum hosting capacity for the distribution grid. The maximum hosting capacity may be defined as the total capacity of a number of distributed generators connected to the distribution grid such that the performance parameters will be met.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating economic viability of a proposed microgrid, including uncertain variables are disclosed. One or more candidate distributed energy resources can be selected for use within a proposed microgrid. An investment cost and an operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources can be determined. A cost of drawing power from a main power grid can be compared to a sum of the investment cost and the operation cost of the one or more candidate distributed energy resources. The proposed microgrid can be identified for installation when the sum of the investment cost and the operation cost is less than the cost of drawing power from the main power grid.