Abstract
The increasing importance of system reliability and resilience is changing the way distribution systems are planned and operated. To achieve a distribution system self-healing against power outages, emerging technologies and devices, such as remote-controlled switches (RCSs) and smart meters, are being deployed. The higher level of automation is transforming traditional distribution systems into the smart distribution systems (SDSs) of the future. The availability of data and remote control capability in SDSs provides distribution operators with an opportunity to optimize system operation and control. In this paper, the development of SDSs and resulting benefits of enhanced system capabilities are discussed. A comprehensive survey is conducted on the state-of-the-art applications of RCSs and smart meters in SDSs. Specifically, a new method, called Temporal Causal Diagram (TCD), is used to incorporate outage notifications from smart meters for enhanced outage management. To fully utilize the fast operation of RCSs, the spanning tree search algorithm is used to develop service restoration strategies. Optimal placement of RCSs and the resulting enhancement of system reliability are discussed. Distribution system resilience with respect to extreme events is presented. Test cases are used to demonstrate the benefit of SDSs. Active management of distributed generators (DGs) is introduced. Future research in a smart distribution environment is proposed.
Highlights
Electric power distribution systems are designed to deliver power from substations to customers
Distribution automation and smart grid technologies enhance the ability of a distribution system to withstand extreme events and restore power supply to interrupted customers efficiently after major outages
Since service can be restored to customers by automatic reclosing of protective devices after a temporary fault, distribution operators are more interested in using smart meter outage reports for permanent fault scenarios
Summary
Electric power distribution systems are designed to deliver power from substations to customers. In a SDS, a large amount of data, gathered by smart meters and intelligent electronics devices (IEDs), provides sufficient information to monitor system operations in nearly real time. Smart grid applications, such as advanced outage management and fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), are developed and integrated into Outage Management. This paper is focused on the state-of-the-art applications of smart meters and RCSs in SDSs. The impact of extreme events on distribution systems is analyzed to highlight the importance of developing SDSs. With the availability of numerous smart meters, applications based on data gathered from these meters are discussed.
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