Optimal allocation of protection and control devices in smart distribution systems: Models, methods, and future research

Abstract

The fundamental goal of the distribution system operator (DSO) is to serve its customers with reliable and low-cost electricity. Failures in power distribution systems are responsible for 80% of customer service interruptions. The emergence of smart distribution system (SDS) with advanced distribution automation (DA) and communication infrastructure offers a great opportunity to improve reliability, through the automation of fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR) process. DA includes the installation of protection and control devices (PCD). The use of PCD makes fault management more efficient, reduces average outage duration per customer in case of faults, reduces costs due to unsupplied energy, and improves distribution system reliability. Although the use of PCD remarkably enhances distribution system reliability, it is neither economical nor affordable to install them in all potential locations. To obtain the optimal allocation of PCD (OAPCD), an optimisation problem has to be formulated and solved. Several models and methods have been suggested for the OAPCD in SDSs. Herein, an overview of the state-of-the-art models and methods applied to the OAPCD in SDSs are introduced, identifying the contributions of reviewed works, identifying advantages and disadvantages, classifying and analysing current and future research directions in this area.This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.

Overview of Distribution System Reliability Optimization Against Lightning

“…There are various types of system reliability optimization problems, each necessitating unique solution approaches due to differences in assumptions and problem structure. Georgilakis et al, [28] provides a comprehensive examination of system reliability optimization.…”

A Framework for Reliability Assessment in Expansion Planning of Power Distribution Systems

“…Planning the expansion of power distribution systems takes into account the addition, replacement or reinforcement of different types of devices, distribution lines, or substations [21,22]. Some of the alternatives for expansion projects aiming to improve the reliability of the network are (i) the division of primary feeders; (ii) installation of switches with interconnection with an adjacent feeder; (iii) the installation of circuit breakers, sectionalizing switches, reclosers, or fuses; (iv) automation of sectionalizing switches; (v) installation of fault indicators; and (vi) the reconductoring of the primary network by covered conductors.…”

“…The problem of planning the expansion of PDS with a focus on improvements in reliability is usually treated as an optimization problem, in which the reliability is considered through a multi-objective function or a weighted single-objective function [7,20]. Besides, the optimization problem considers expansion projects, which are defined by decision variables, such as the number and optimal location of protection and/or sectionalizing devices [21,22]. In this context, optimization models solved both through exact [23,24] methods and also approximate [25] methods are found in the literature; these, however, are predominant over exact methods [7].…”

On the MILP Modeling of Remote-Controlled Switch and Field Circuit Breaker Malfunctions in Distribution System Switch Placement

“…In today's modern world, delivering electrical power to customers with the least interruptions has become more important than ever. Considering that over 80% of customer interruptions are due to failures in electricity distribution networks [1], this sector has tremendous potential for enhancing the continuity of electricity supply to the end-users. A fundamental approach to improving distribution system reliability is the deployment of protection and sectionalizing equipment to reduce the frequency and duration of customer interruptions through fault isolation and feeder segmentation for service restoration [2].…”