Long-term Distribution System Planning in Presence of Regional Energy Networks

With the expansion of renewable energy resources and the introduction of new technologies into power systems as well as the transformation of distribution networks from passive networks to active distribution networks (ADNs), the concept of microgrid has expanded rapidly. Alongside this, and with the overall policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the efficiency of systems, the use of combined energy systems to meet the needs of customers is rapidly increased in recent years.
The purpose of this PhD thesis is to establish a framework for long-term planning of the distribution networks in the presence of Regional Energy Networks (RENs). To this end, by leveraging the concepts of microgrid, regional energy networks, operational scheduling and planning a long-term multi-energy planning scheme will be presented to achieve a cost-effective and practical plan.