Combinatory search method for determining distribution network automation

The paper proposes a new methodology for determining the optimal level of medium voltage (MV) distribution network (DN) automation as a part of a smart network design. The problem of the network automation is complex and discrete optimization problem of enormous dimension without possibility directly to apply appropriate optimization procedures. The proposed methodology is based on heuristic combinatory search algorithm with simultaneous consideration scenarios with different types of automation equipment: local automation and remote control. The basis of proposed method is real fault management procedure on the base of which the appropriate benefit estimation for different network automation scenarios is done. The essence of the methodology for determining optimal solution is decomposition of an optimal automation problem with different types of automation equipment to sub problems of network automation with one type of equipment. The proposed methodology has been tested on real distribution network and obtained results have proven that proposed methodology is a powerful tool for determination the optimal level of the MV DN automation.