Open Access

ARTICLE

Configuration and Operation Optimization of Active Distribution Network Based on Wind-Solar-Hydrogen-Storage Integration

Hongsheng Su¹, Wenyao Su¹, Yulong Che^1,*, Xiping Ma², Tian Zhao¹, Limiao Ren¹

1 School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
2 State Grid Gansu Electric Power Co., Ltd., Electric Power Research Institute, Lanzhou, 730070, China

* Corresponding Author: Yulong Che. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Revolution in Energy Systems: Hydrogen and Beyond)

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(11), 4777-4797. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.068134

Received 21 May 2025; Accepted 29 July 2025; Issue published 27 October 2025

Abstract

Aiming at the issues of insufficient carrying capacity, limited flexibility, and weak source-network-load-storage coordination capability in distribution networks under the background of high-proportion new energy integration. This study proposes a bi-level optimization model for ADN integrating hybrid wind-solar-hydrogen-storage systems. First, an electro-hydrogen coupling system framework is constructed, including models for electrolytic hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. Meanwhile, typical scenarios of wind-solar joint output are developed using Copula functions to characterize the variability of renewable energy generation. Second, a bi-level optimization model for ADN with electrolytic hydrogen production and storage systems is established: the upper layer employs a multi-objective differential evolution algorithm to solve the optimal siting and sizing problem, aiming to minimize life-cycle costs; the lower layer formulates a coordinated operation optimization model that incorporates contribution degree functions, Voltage Distribution Equilibrium Metric (VDEM), and the renewable energy consumption and absorption rate to ensure real-time synergistic optimization of power flow and voltage stability. Finally, simulations based on the IEEE 33-bus system demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the system’s energy curtailment costs by 34.6% and increases the renewable energy accommodation rate to 99.27%. This study verifies the effectiveness of electrolytic hydrogen production and storage systems as flexible loads in enhancing the hosting capacity of distribution networks, significantly improving grid operational flexibility, and source-network-load-storage coordination. These findings provide a technical pathway for the synergistic planning of high-renewable-penetration power systems, highlighting the critical role of electro-hydrogen coupling in balancing economic efficiency and technical reliability in modern ADN.

---

Keywords

---