A convex multi-objective distributionally robust optimization for embedded electricity and natural gas distribution networks under smart electric vehicle fleets

The indisputable environmental concerns have forced the imminent proliferation of renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EV). However, the high penetration of such uncertain and variable sources, can pose significant challenges for maintaining supply–demand balance in electrical distribution networks (EDNs). To address these challenges, this paper presents a distributionally robust optimization (DRO) method for multi-objective scheduling in integrated electricity and natural gas distribution networks (IENGDNs). The proposed approach aims to minimize environmental-economic objectives while taking into account the high penetration of EVs and RESs. The impact of a smart EV charging strategy is evaluated to reduce operating costs and maximize the use of RESs. Additionally, demand response programs (DRPs) are used in the EDN to prevent overlapping of peak load hours between the EDN and natural gas distribution network (NGDN). Linepack technology is also used to store natural gas in NGDN pipelines, which increases the short-term flexibility of the entire IENGDNs. The proposed problem is mathematically structured as a second-order conical programming (SOCP) model to benefit from the reliable and efficient convex optimization solution. The simulations were conducted on a 123-EDN and a 40-NGDN systems. Different simulation cases show that the proposed economic-environmental framework can bring down the total emissions by 10.02%.