A multi-objective decentralized optimization for voltage regulators and energy storage devices in active distribution systems

Centralized optimization methods have been widely used to manage the operation of distribution systems. However, these methods have some restrictions, such as the high computational cost, the reliance on a centralized computer system, and the lack of data privacy. To overcome these limitations, decentralized optimization methods have been proposed in recent years. Decentralized methods divide the control variables of the centralized optimization problem over several controllers, and each controller solves its own subproblem independently. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization framework for managing the operation of distribution systems. The primary objective of the proposed method is to optimize the tap positions of voltage regulators and charging and discharging powers for energy storage devices locally through a decentralized coordination process. The used objective functions take into account the voltage profile within the network, the lifetime of the devices, and the energy losses in the systems. Two decentralized methods, based on the Advanced Arithmetic Optimizer algorithm and the Profile Steering approach, are proposed to address the limitations of centralized optimization methods. The decentralized methods aim to improve the reliability and efficiency of the optimization process, while also minimizing communication and computational costs. The proposed methods are evaluated and compared to a centralized approach using the IEEE 33 and 69 bus systems. The results demonstrate that the proposed decentralized methods can effectively resolve voltage problems, minimize energy losses, and find high-quality solutions with improved computational efficiency compared to the centralized approach.