The optimal automation level of medium voltage distribution networks

This paper proposed a new methodology for determining the optimal level of investments in medium voltage (MV) distribution network (DN) automation. The problem of network automation is complex, non-linear and discrete optimization problem of enormous dimensions and it is not possible directly apply appropriate optimization procedures. The proposed methodology is based on heuristic combinatory search algorithm with simultaneous consideration scenarios with different types of automation equipment: local automation and remote control. The basis of the proposed procedure is real fault management procedure on the base of which the appropriate estimation of benefits for different network automation scenarios is done. The essence of the algorithm for determining the optimal solution is decomposition of an optimal automation problem with different types of automation equipment to sub problems of network automation with one type of equipment. The proposed methodology has been tested on real network of the city of Belgrade. Obtained results have proven that the proposed methodology is a powerful tool for the determination of the optimal level of investments in the automation of MV DN.