Inclusion of energy storage system with renewable energy resources in distribution networks

The rapid growth of renewable energy resources in modern distribution networks results in the spilling of energy due to the limited hosting capacity of these networks, intermittent and variable nature of renewable generation, violation of system constraints, reduced network efficiency, and improper utilization of resources. Energy storage system has emerged as a key technology element in improving the operational efficiency, reliability, security, flexibility and performance of renewable energy technology integrated distribution networks. The storage technology is regarded as one of the potential candidates in facilitating increased penetration of renewable energy technologies thereby increasing the renewable generation hosting capacity of the distribution networks. However, the benefits provided by these storage technologies to the distribution network operators, energy storage owners, and end-customers are still questionable and full of queries. In this chapter, a thorough summary of the ongoing studies on the deployment (location, capacity and daily dispatch) of energy storage system technologies in the distribution networks is presented. Further, the chapter also gives a distinctive understanding of the various challenges, issues, recommendations, and benefits of incorporating energy storage technologies into the modern distribution networks thus offering a benchmark for carrying out further research in this area. Finally, a case study is performed highlighting the significance of simultaneous allocation of battery energy storage technology and renewable energy resources in a 33-bus test distribution network.