Multi-criteria decision support for optimal distributed generation dispatch

The problem of optimal dispatch of distributed generation (DG) differs from the classical problem of generation dispatch in the power system, because of the specific criteria related to the DG interconnection. Most important goals are to maximize the renewable production and to minimize the total cost, while satisfying additional constraints related to the operation of a distribution network. When there are many DGs in a distribution network, it is very complicated to decide the optimal DG outputs to satisfy all the criteria and constraints imposed by the distribution network. Another problem is the lack of the dispatcher control over DGs, and very often, the only available action is to switch on or off the generator. Finally, network operator and DG owner perspective is often opposed regarding appropriate control action in the network. In this paper, a multi-criteria decision support based on AHP method is proposed for the choice of the dispatching action. The method is illustrated on the choice of the DG to be switched off in the case or reverse power flow.