Abstract Optimal design of hybrid renewable mini-grids requires both economic and power quality considerations. Existing modeling approaches address these considerations via separate or loosely coupled models. Here, we extend REopt—a techno-economic optimization model developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—to consider both within a single model. REopt formulates the design problem as a mixed-integer linear program that solves for a site's optimal technology mix, sizing, and operation to minimize life cycle cost. REopt has traditionally assumed a single node system. In the work presented here, we expand the REopt platform to consider multiple connected nodes with associated voltage constraints. In order to do this, we model power flow using a fixed-point linear approximation method. We then use the model to explore design considerations of mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, we evaluate under what combinations of transmission line distance and capacity it is technically viable and economically preferable to build multiple isolated mini-grids versus an interconnected, centralized system.

中文翻译：

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考虑电压约束的集中式和分布式微电网拓扑的成本优​​化评估

摘要 混合可再生微电网的优化设计需要兼顾经济性和电能质量。现有的建模方法通过单独或松散耦合的模型来解决这些问题。在这里，我们扩展了 REopt（一种在国家可再生能源实验室开发的技术经济优化模型），以在单个模型中考虑两者。REopt 将设计问题表述为混合整数线性规划，该规划解决了站点的最佳技术组合、规模和运营，以最大限度地降低生命周期成本。REopt 传统上采用单节点系统。在此处介绍的工作中，我们扩展了 REopt 平台以考虑具有相关电压约束的多个连接节点。为了做到这一点，我们使用定点线性近似方法对潮流进行建模。然后，我们使用该模型来探索撒哈拉以南非洲小型电网的设计注意事项。具体而言，我们评估了在传输线路距离和容量的哪些组合下，与互连的集中式系统相比，构建多个隔离的微型电网在技术上可行且在经济上更可取。