Evaluation of wireless access modes in distribution network communication based on weighted DEA

Communication system is the most important part in the distribution automation system (DAS). Different cascade has its corresponding function. The features, requirements and networking mode of distribution communication network and commonly used means are given firstly, and one multi-index evaluation thought which combines the qualitative and quantitative analysis together to evaluate different communication means is proposed, then an evaluating indices system for wireless communication means is provided, including three factors that are economy, reliability and technology. At the same time the scientific assessment system is established by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the weights of assessment criteria are derived from the judgment matrix. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) method is introduced into the estimate system to comprehensive evaluate the benefit of the evaluation model. The weight values can resolve the problems well when combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the feature of non-dimensional can resolve the error problem when multi-index conversing each other in evaluation. Finally the method is applied to plan one city´s communication network of DAS; the communication means which has the highest benefit index will be selected as the preferred means. The evaluating method also provides the scientific basis to the construction of communication network of DAS.