Software tools to facilitate advanced network operation

Economical trends force electricity companies to maximize the utilization of their networks. As a result margins decrease. Within these decreased margins the quality of supply must improve. Disturbances have to be avoided and, if they occur, solved as quickly as possible. This increases the working stress for the network operators. This paper describes the development and application of four software tools that facilitate and simplify the work of network operators. They concern fault location, safe coupling of MV networks, optimal transmission network operation and pseudo state estimation. These tools are based on standard load flow and short circuit analysis methods, where new additions have been made. All applications communicate with various existing applications and devices. They combine on-line measured values with power system database information. The software is equipped with a user friendly interface for grid operators. The applications were developed in cooperation between power utility Nuon and software developer phase to phase and are already in use or close to implementation