Automated capacity analysis of distribution systems

Distribution businesses need to forecast potential system developments several years in advance. This activity facilitates efficient system investment so that a secure and reliable service can be provided at the lowest possible cost. This paper describes the development of an automated software tool to calculate the network capacity during normal system and N-1 running conditions. By including forecast annual load change and an accurate representation of switching it has been possible to identify system bottlenecks both in terms of their severity and the sequence in which they occur. The commercially available IPSA+ fast decoupled load flow engine has been utilised as the core calculation method with a higher level program providing a simple user interface.