Load assignment for determining substation service areas with the aid of digital mapping

In this paper, an effective method is presented to determine the optimal substation and feeder planning based on minimum feeder loss. A geographic information system (GIS) with distributed database, state-of-the-art computer graphics and the proposed method are integrated to solve the optimal sizing and siting of distribution substations, and to perform optimal feeder routing including load transfer to the neighboring substations in case of an overload. The GIS database was built and the facility data were retrieved from the database for planning applications. It can be shown that the network data in the GIS database were searched, facility data were retrieved for the proposed algorithm, and output results can be displayed on screen with the graphical displays of the GIS. The process provides a practical way for planners to facilitate the planning of the distribution system. The integration of digital maps, good man-machine interface, the state-of-the-art computer graphics and the application program (algorithm) proposes a concept for not only planning engineers but also operation dispatchers regarding a new way to look at the distribution system.<>