The future configuration of the distribution system presents various possibilities. Considering the actual conditions of China's distribution networks is characterized by ‘red zone’ restrictions

high cost of energy storage

and well-developed but underutilized infrastructure

this paper proposes a normalized secure and efficient bidirectional power flow configuration of hierarchical distribution networks. First

existing configurations and major new configurations of distribution networks are introduced. Secondly

a new distribution system configuration with normalized bidirectional power flow is proposed. Normalized bidirectional power flow encourages both forward and reverse power flow at different voltage levels under safe operating conditions. This paper argues that the inherent spatiotemporal mismatch between renewable generation and load is not merely a normal operational characteristic but

more fundamentally

justifies the existence of hierarchical distribution networks. Distribution networks should facilitate more flexible and extensive integration of distributed renewable energy with limited energy storage and flexible interconnections

maximizing the utilization potential at all voltage levels. Finally

a planning scheme based on the proposed distribution system configuration is developed using the extended T24D10 test case. The test case includes complete voltage-level sequences for the power distribution system

covering 0.4kV

10kV

110kV

and 220kV. A technical and economic comparison with a local-balancing configuration demonstrates the superiority of the proposed configuration. At the same renewable energy penetration rate

the proposed configuration significantly reduces the required energy storage capacity and improves bidirectional utilization efficiency across all voltage levels. This configuration also has the potential to increase the upper limit of the red zone under non-mandatory energy storage integration and limited energy storage allocation on the grid side. The proposed configuration and operational mode require minimal modifications to existing distribution systems

making it a promising direction for developing new distribution systems suited to China's national conditions.