Planning of medium voltage distribution networks by dynamic models

The authors describe a dynamic model designed to investigate network development over a time span of twenty years, which has been found to be particularly effective for improved long-term planning (strategic planning). In particular the algorithm gives the approximate optimum network configurations at five year intervals and these results are then available for short-medium term planning (operative planning). The latter activity has also formed the subject of a dedicated program which allows optimum location of the HV/MV substations and the associated best configuration of MV networks, whilst satisfying all the technical constraints. Besides describing this algorithm, the authors also deal with the problem of load forecasting and emphasize the increasingly important role assumed by active strategic monitoring of demand, promoted by the utility, in rationalization of the investment process