Optimisation models for the design of multiple self-consumption loops in semi-rural areas

Abstract: Collective electricity self-consumption gains increasing interest in a context where localised consumption of energy is a lever of sustainable development. While easing energy distribution networks, collective self-consumption requires complementary prosumers' profiles. Before determining the proper energy exchanges happening between these prosumers, one must ensure their compatibility in the context of collective self-consumption. Motivated by real use cases from a solar power producer, this article proposes network flow-based linear models to solve both the design aspect of the problem and the attribution of distribution flows between the involved prosumers. Two main models are proposed, handling (i) single collective self-consumption loop creation and (ii) multiple loop creation. One of the objectives of this work is to provide models that can be applied at a strategic level which implies their extension to large time scale and large spatial scale. To do so, associated Benders and Dantzig-Wolfe decompositions are proposed to ensure model scalability along temporal and spatial dimensions. The proposed models are tested on realistic use cases to assess their performances.