Description and benefits of a situation awareness tool based on a distribution state estimator and adapted to smart grids

Automation offers new margins to improve the performance of distribution operation and control. Additional distribution automation is particularly beneficial when it allows the network operators to use the dispersed generation and enhanced load control capabilities and in some case postpone new network upgrades. Such improved flexibility and control of the distribution network is only possible if the Control Centre operator has a more accurate real-time picture of the network. This paper explains how a Situation Awareness tool fed by a distribution state estimator would improve operators performance, facilitate grid operation and enhance network performance. Situation Awareness allows operators to anticipate and prepare for the next network operations in real time. This paper presents different scenarios of use of the situation awareness functions as well as a the architecture of these functions.