Assessing the Quality of Service in Radial Distribution Networks

MAURICIO E. SAMPER; MIGUEL ARIAS; DIEGO OJEDA; ALBERTO VARGAS

São Paulo

Congreso; IEEE/PES 2010 T&D Latin America Conference and Exposition; 2010

IEEE/PES South Brazil Section, within Region 9-Latin America

Distribution utilities must supply electricity to customers according to quality regulations. From the “quality of service” standpoint, the goal of assessing quality is to evaluate the level of reliability of a distribution system. This paper presents a practical algorithm to assess reliability indices in radial distribution networks. The algorithm makes use of matrix operations based on the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis technique. The algorithm takes into account the possibility of load transfer among feeders, and it evaluates the capacity of the open points to transfer the required load in each failure event. In addition, this algorithm analyzes the possibility of evaluating the benefits of installing reclosers in the main feeders to prevent temporary failures. Finally, the reliability of three typical South American distribution networks is assessed. In addition, in these distribution networks, three different distribution protection schemes are evaluated through the use of the proposed algorithm.