With the rapid development of flexible interconnection technology in active distribution networks (ADNs)

many power electronic devices have been employed to improve system operational performance. As a novel fully-controlled power electronic device

energy storage integrated soft open point (ESOP) is gradually replacing traditional switches. This can significantly enhance the controllability of ADNs. To facilitate the utilization of ESOP

device locations and capacities should be configured optimally. Thus

this paper proposes a multi-stage expansion planning method of ESOP with the consideration of tie-line reconstruction. First

based on multi-terminal modular design characteristics

the ESOP planning model is established. A multi-stage planning framework of ESOP is then presented

in which the evolutionary relationship among different planning schemes is analyzed. Based on this framework

a multi-stage planning method of ESOP with consideration of tie-line reconstruction is subsequently proposed. Finally

case studies are conducted on a modified practical distribution network

and the cost–benefit analysis of device and multiple impact factors are given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.