Monitoring and Control of a Smart Distribution Network in Extended Real-Time DMS Framework

Based on recently proposed architectures for smart grids, the authors present a monitoring and control structure for distribution networks. The main idea is that, in a near future, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will be able to develop on-line smart functions in the extended real-time framework of daily system operation (approximately every 15-30 minutes). The core of the proposed architecture is an advanced Distribution Management System (DMS) whose task is to assess control functions such as reactive dispatch, voltage regulation, contingency analysis, capability maximization or line switching. The monitoring and control structure proposed for this system includes on-line tools such as GIS interface, topology processor, state estimator, load modelling, load flow and optimal distribution power flow (ODPF), control of active and reactive distributed resources, optimal network reconfiguration. Such architecture can also take advantage of existing communication infrastructures, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which guarantee the availability of two-way communication channels. The paper presents, together with the main outline of the proposed control architecture, the results of an on-going research project with AMET, an Italian city-scale electricity Distribution Company (DisCO) that supplies energy to about 35,000 customers, covering an urban area of about 60,000 inhabitants. Possible applications of DMS will be showed running a novel ODPF algorithm on a real representation of AMET distribution system. Test results will also show how basic smart control functions, such as active and reactive control of distributed resources, are compatible with time requirements of extended real-time DMS framework.