Automated Integrated Analysis of Condition and Capacity of Low-Voltage Networks

Abstract

Investigation of both capacity and quality of low-voltage networks is becoming more important. Previous research showed that condition assessment of low voltage (LV) grids is promising, but not sufficient yet to base asset management decisions on – due to limitations in data availability and quality and a low amount of failures. This paper presents a method which combines a condition assessment approach with a method to investigate the capacity of LV networks. The capacity method uses a bottom-up approach to predict if and when LV assets get overloaded. The combined approach ranks assets on the basis of expected condition and capacity bottlenecks. Results of a case study show among others an overlap of 45% of condition and capacity bottlenecks. It is proved that the presented combined approach is a useful, well-functioning and applicable approach for the asset management of LV distribution grids. This result follows up on and expands previous research.