First use of smart grid data in distribution network planning

ERDF "ERABLE" project aims at creating value from the large amount of data from smart meters in terms of distribution network planning and power quality improvement. The prototype presented in this paper, consists in automatically running a “playback”, day after day, of the system. This is made possible by projecting the individual measured load curves on the network models imported from the ERDF GIS into DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The tool builds dashboards and “snapshots” of each LV network element enabling network resizing or phase-balancing for voltage quality enhancement purpose. The system was used during the 2012 winter on 350 LV networks processing 11 000 individual load curves. Phase-balancing operations are currently being handled on the field.