Comparative analysis of reliability evaluation of a real distribution network in South Africa

This paper describes the evaluation of a sub transmission network within Eskom Distribution by performing comparative analysis using analytical methods: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Network Reduction techniques and a reliability assessment tool (DigSILENT Powerfactory version 14.0.511). The analysis used in this paper first compares the results of the analysis of the existing networks using FMEA and DigSILENT. The future network configuration is evaluated using a Network Reduction technique and DigSILENT. The results obtained for the existing network and future expansion network demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of using the different techniques. The differences observed are discussed in the paper.