Abstract
This study describes a practical methodology for a resilient planning and routing of power distribution networks considering real scenarios based on georeferenced data. Customers’ demand and their location are the basis for distribution transformer allocation considering the minimal construction costs and reduction of utility’s budget. MST (Minimum Spanning Tree) techniques are implemented to determine the optimal location of distribution transformers and Medium voltage network routing. Additionally, the allocation of tie points is determined to minimise the total load shedding when unusual and extreme events are faced by the distribution grid, improving reliability and resilience reducing downtime during those events. The proposed methodology provides a coverage of 100%, supplying electricity to the totality of customers within statutory limits during normal and unusual conditions.
Highlights
Electricity demand is steadily increasing due to the fact that new and novel electric equipment is connected to the grid every day, such as factory’s machinery, household devices and electric vehicles.generation, transmission and distribution systems are designed and operated to satisfy customer demand with minimum outages and uninterrupted power supply [1]
The financial strategy in distribution infrastructure is extremely related with the length of primary feeders (MV networks), secondary grids (LV network) and investments on major components such as distribution transformers, switchgear equipment (Ring Main Units) and protection systems
Some scenarios have been analysed considering the average length of the Low Voltage (LV) network, scenario A shows an average length of 100 m between between the final customer and its distribution transformer, this scenario is formed by 5 manholes
Summary
Electricity demand is steadily increasing due to the fact that new and novel electric equipment is connected to the grid every day, such as factory’s machinery, household devices and electric vehicles. Generation, transmission and distribution systems are designed and operated to satisfy customer demand with minimum outages and uninterrupted power supply [1] In this general context, primary equipment (power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors, reclosers, etc.), and protection, communication and control systems are needed to withstand unusual events or contingencies without supply interruption [2]. Resilience strategies are focused on mitigation and hardening actions to re-establish the electricity, generally those actions are associated with deployment of mobile transformers on critical locations, evaluation of risks and risk management, and the deployment of energy storage systems with advanced communication, protection and control capabilities, which permits the synchronization and reconnection to the main grid [2,5]. It is important to note that accurate design and hardening activities, complemented with modern and sophisticated protection and control capabilities, will limit the outage duration and minimise its consequences, those components will not avoid a failure or disaster [7]
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