Probabilistic evaluation of distribution power transformers reliability indices considering load transfers and mobile unit substations

Abstract

This paper proposes a new and practical probabilistic method for calculating reliability indices and costs associated with distribution substations that share spare transformers of a same group. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the proposed algorithm considers the chronological representation of failure occurrences, and enhances previous methods by modeling emergency actions, such as transferring load to neighboring feeders and connecting a mobile unit substation to ensure electricity supply to customers during the replacement of failed transformers. Thus, spare transformer requirements with new acquisitions to replenish the stock or even to expand the system are probabilistically assessed. All waiting times associated to these actions can be duly represented by any probability distribution, including the usual exponential model. A more accurate calculation of reliability indices and costs associated with the interruption of consumers is achieved. The corresponding computational algorithm is used in several numerical applications, considering a class of transformers of a Brazilian electricity utility. The results of these applications are deeply discussed to demonstrate the practical relevance of the proposed method.