Strategy-based multi-objective solutions for photovoltaic power curtailment

This paper proposes a novel approach to minimise the photovoltaic (PV) generation curtailment by encompassing the minimisation of the distribution system losses and the application of fairness concepts in a multi- objective framework. Differently from the classical ways to approach multi-objective problems with progressive update of the Pareto front, in this paper the Pareto front is constructed starting from merging the multi- objective results obtained by the application of different basic fairness-related strategies. The suggested solution is then determined by using the TOPSIS method for ranking the Pareto front solutions. Furthermore, an original way to construct a refined strategy that extends the TOPSIS results from the basic fairness-related strategies is presented, based on the definition of losses-related correction factors calculated from the losses allocated to the system nodes. The proposed approach is applied to two test distribution networks, with violations of voltage magnitude limits or branch loading limits. The results show the effectiveness of applying the refined strategies to obtain a trade-off for the PV generation curtailment in different PV systems by maintaining low distribution system losses and with satisfactory fairness.