Routing and Dispatching of Mobile Storage Units for a Resilient Response to Severe Weather Events in Low Voltage Smart Grids

Mobile energy storage units are regarded as a critical flexibility resource in power distribution networks. In low-carbon energy systems, they can substitute mobile diesel generators as a back-up power source to small groups of customers after a widespread outage. In this context, this article presents a method for routing and dispatching of mobile storage units aimed at providing a resilient response to severe weather events combining multiple natural hazards in distribution grids. Focused on low voltage distribution network, it uses sources of information typically available in a smart grid and smart city context, such as geographic information systems, road surveillance systems, and smart meter data. Moreover, it represents the interdependence between power and transport infrastructures according to official transport analysis guidance, which determines average speed and travel times to the points of connection to out-of-service customers. The methodology is written as a mixed-integer programming formulation aimed at minimizing the energy not supplied over time subject to spatio-temporal and operating constraints. Furthermore, it is demonstrated in a realistic distribution network in the United Kingdom.