Contribution of active management technologies to the reliability of power distribution networks

Abstract

Active Network Management (ANM) technologies represent an effective tool for increasing the penetration of Distributed Generators (DGs) in electrical distribution systems. Under normal operating conditions, these technologies allow a massive integration of renewable generation without exceeding rated values of electrical equipment. In addition to that, these technologies can be used to restore the supply when there is a network outage, yet this additional use has been commonly neglected in reliability studies. In this paper a novel methodology to assess the contribution of ANM technologies to reliability of distribution networks is proposed. Technologies like renewable DGs with controllable output power, on-load tap-changers (OLTC) transformers, demand control solutions and soft open points (SOPs) are all included in the reliability study. Coordinated operation of these technologies during outages and performance of multi-terminal SOPs are also modelled and evaluated. The proposed methodology was tested on two distribution networks. The contribution of different ANM technologies to reliability was assessed and their benefits confirmed.