Operational Planning of Distribution Networks Based on Utility Planning Concepts

The paper presents the operational planning of medium voltage (11 kV; 6.6 kV) distribution networks that is an integral part of the previously developed integrated planning approach based on utility planning concepts. The operational planning problem is decoupled from the investment planning stage and it is further divided into two phases, the quality of supply (QoS) planning and the minimization of operational costs. The QoS planning maximizes the benefits of the regulatory incentive regime by installing and automating switchgear, as well as finding optimal normally open points. It is solved in two ways, by applying genetic algorithm optimization and then the approach based on engineering rules. Operational cost minimization considers costs of O&M, switching, losses, and reliability. It includes security constraints for radially operated networks and allows that the locations of new switchgear from the QoS stage are changed. The simplified version of the model is also intended to be used as a real-time network reconfiguration tool. The entire methodology is tested on the 69-bus test system.