Potential Assessment and Optimization Configuration Method for Flexible Interconnection of Distribution Transformer Areas

In the context of high penetration of distributed energy resources and new load integration, existing research primarily focuses on capacity optimization under pre-established interconnection structures, addressing issues such as uneven spatiotemporal distribution of loads and low equipment utilization in distribution transformer areas. However, these studies lack a planning-stage interconnection object selection mechanism. To address this, this paper proposes a planning-oriented flexible interconnection potential assessment and optimization configuration method for distribution transformer areas. First, a quantitative interconnection potential assessment model is developed, integrating load rate improvement after interconnection and geographical connection costs, enabling the ranking and selection of candidate transformer area combinations. On this basis, a flexible interconnection system optimization configuration model is established, aiming to minimize the overall system cost, and collaboratively optimizing converter and energy storage capacities. A case study of 20 distribution transformer areas in a certain city shows that the optimal transformer area combination increases the load factor from 64.6% to 79.4%, an improvement of 22.9%; when considering energy storage configuration, the total economic cost of the interconnection system is reduced by approximately 20.2% compared to the independent operation mode. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving equipment utilization and reducing the system’s total lifecycle cost, providing decision support for flexible planning of urban distribution networks.