Future distribution network architectures: approach with a CRISP experimentation

The expected insertion of DG (distributed generation) in the distribution networks entailed by environmental and economical aspects will modify the grid architectures and the operation mode. A more flexible operated system will emerge through various applications and developments of the distribution automation. In this paper a general (electrical and software) topology, a clear definition of the applications and their geographical limitation are taken into account: the medium voltage cell concept with associated local intelligence is described. The paper deals with one of the main distribution automation functions: the location, isolation and reconfiguration on faults, applied to a MV network cell. An experimentation for European CRISP project is described. Its main goal is to test the feasibility of a combined method (fault distance computation and FPI responses) for the fault location, isolation and basically network reconfiguration using ICT and taking into account the actual protection system time settings