Towards Distributed Resource Coordination in Distribution Networks with SOPs and Topology Reconfiguration

This paper investigates the distributed operational optimization of interconnected distribution networks featuring reconfigurable topologies and soft open points (SOPs). A unified modeling framework is established that integrates the operational characteristics of distributed generation (DG), energy storage systems (ESS), and topology reconfiguration constraints, while capturing inter-area coupling via SOPs. To ensure network connectivity and radiality, a virtual power flow (VPF)-based modeling method is adopted. Furthermore, a distributed optimization algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is proposed to support distributed coordination among multiple areas, ensuring data privacy and computational scalability. Simulation studies on interconnected IEEE 33-bus systems demonstrate the proposed model's effectiveness in reducing operation costs, enhancing voltage regulation, and enabling inter-regional energy sharing. The results validate the synergy between SOP-based interaction and topology flexibility in future smart distribution networks.