Development Issues of Systems for Automation and Digitalization of Power Distribution Networks

Abstract

This paper studies 0.4 kV power distribution networks (PDNs) and automated systems for electricity monitoring and metering (ASEMM). As is known, a main task of ASEMMs is to digitalize PDNs, which is aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of their operation. It is advisable that new models, methods, and intelligent technologies used for automation and informatization of distribution networks should also be focused on minimizing their power losses, which are currently fairly high and significantly compromise the technical and economic performance of automation systems employed and PDNs. Modern (conventional) ASEMMs, implemented at the facilities of utilities, do not have the appropriate technical, algorithmic, and software tools to reduce power losses in the PDN. This is due to the fact that conventional ASEMMs mainly collect remote data from the system meters and ensure their digital processing for the purpose of revenue metering of electricity. In this regard, the paper proposes methodological, algorithmic, and digital technologies to accomplish a set of new functional tasks in the conventional ASEMMs, aimed at reducing power losses in PDNs by optimizing their operating conditions.