Current development and future plan for smart distribution grid in Korea

Abstract

Since 1998, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) 's distribution automation system (DAS) has been deployed and now operated in whole 190 branch offices in KEPCO. From 2005, research project has been carried on, which titled with Development of Intelligent Distribution Automation System (IDAS) to give DAS more intelligence. The project is consisted of 4 sub projects in which high level master station for IDAS, intelligent multifunctional remote terminal unit, sensor and intelligent distribution facilities with diagnosis are being developed to improve the power quality and reliability of the distribution networks and test bed for distribution generation is being established. The high level management systems and intelligent RTUs and distribution facilities has already developed and will be integrated and tested in the field next year. From 2008, KEPCO will launch new research project for Smart Distribution Grid. In this project, distribution automation system will be transformed into the smart multi-agent, self diagnostic and fault anticipatable system with fully integrated with Distributed Energy Resources and with conformance to IEC 61850. And new DC (direct current) power distribution network configuration and operating technology will also be developed using DC microgrid and customer storage system. After completion of this future projects, the power distribution architecture for next grid will be developed, through products of that revolutionary improvement for power network in terms of integrated operation, reliability and utilization will be accomplished. (4 pages)