This paper presents a deep-learning framework, Multi-load Generative
Adversarial Network (MultiLoad-GAN), for generating a group of load profiles in
one shot. The main contribution of MultiLoad-GAN is the capture of
spatial-temporal correlations among a group of loads to enable the generation
of realistic synthetic load profiles in large quantity for meeting the emerging
need in distribution system planning. The novelty and uniqueness of the
MultiLoad-GAN framework are three-fold. First, it generates a group of load
profiles bearing realistic spatial-temporal correlations in one shot. Second,
two complementary metrics for evaluating realisticness of generated load
profiles are developed: statistics metrics based on domain knowledge and a
deep-learning classifier for comparing high-level features. Third, to tackle
data scarcity, a novel iterative data augmentation mechanism is developed to
generate training samples for enhancing the training of both the classifier and
the MultiLoad-GAN model. Simulation results show that MultiLoad-GAN outperforms
state-of-the-art approaches in realisticness, computational efficiency, and
robustness. With little finetuning, the MultiLoad-GAN approach can be readily
extended to generate a group of load or PV profiles for a feeder, a substation,
or a service area.Comment: Submitted to IEEE Transactions on Smart Gri