New Technologies for Distribution Planning and Operation of Large-Scale Distribution Networks: From Optimal Design to Emergency Support

The need for an analysis and optimization system that supports the new challenges of electricity distribution under regulation gave rise to a technology transfer project on a decision support system. The decision support system points out the best investments for network expansion as well as the best configuration to operate the expanded network. In addition to the planning capabilities, the system has further evolved to support operational planning and emergency decisions such as large-scale system restoration. New algorithms have been developed that allow responding to a large contingency in a very short time, supported by optimization and simulation capabilities in realistic scenarios. In this paper, some system features are presented together with practical examples to demonstrate its capabilities. Emphasis is put in the benefit of having the same simulation environment both for planners and operators. Advantages over other systems are illustrated in what concerns the quality of the decisions provided and their impact in effective network operation.