Distributed energy resources (DERs) installed in active distribution networks (ADNs) can be exploited to provide both active and reactive power reserves to the upper-layer grid (i.e., sub-transmission and transmission systems) at their connection point. This paper introduces a method to determine the capability area of an ADN for the provision of both active and reactive power reserves while considering the forecast errors of loads and stochastic generation, as well as the operational constraints of the grid and DERs. The method leverages a linearized load flow model and introduces a set of linear scenario-based robust optimization problems to estimate the reserve provision capability (RPC) area of the ADN. It is proved that, under certain assumptions, the RPC area is convex. The performance of the proposed method is tested on a modified version of the IEEE 33-bus distribution test system.

In this paper, we propose a distributionally robust chance constrained (DRCC) optimization problem for the operation of an active distribution network (ADN). The ADN’s operator uses the proposed problem to centrally optimize the dispatch plan of his resources, namely photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) systems, and to participate in wholesale real/reactive power and flexibility markets. We model the uncertainties in the problem by knowing a set of probability distributions, i.e., an ambiguity set. The uncertainties include production capability of PV systems, end-users’ consumption, requested flexibility by the external network’s operator, and voltage magnitude at the point of common coupling (PCC). The resulting formulation is a DRCC optimization problem for which a solution methodology based on freely available solvers is presented. We evaluate the performance of proposed solution in the numerical results section by comparing it with two benchmark models based on stochastic and chance constrained (CC) optimization.