Co-Optimization of Damage Assessment and Restoration: A Resilience-Driven Dynamic Crew Allocation for Power Distribution Systems

This study introduces a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model, effectively co-optimizing patrolling, damage assessment, fault isolation, repair, and load re-energization processes. The model is designed to solve a vital operational conundrum: deciding between further network exploration to obtain more comprehensive data or addressing the repair of already identified faults. As information on the fault location and repair timelines becomes available, the model allows for dynamic adaptation of crew dispatch decisions. In addition, this study proposes a conservative power flow constraint set that considers two network loading scenarios within the final network configuration. This approach results in the determination of an upper and a lower bound for node voltage levels and an upper bound for power line flows. To underscore the practicality and scalability of the proposed model, we have demonstrated its application using IEEE 123-node and 8500-node test systems, where it delivered promising results

Reliability and protection in distribution power system considering customer-based indices

A stable and reliable electric power supply system is a pre-requisite for the technological and economic growth of any nation. Nigeria's power supply has been experiencing incessant power interruptions caused by a failure in the distribution system. This paper developed a system planning approach as part of the key mitigation strategies for improved reliability and protection of the distribution network. The developed algorithm is tested using 33kV feeder supplying electricity to Kaura-Namoda, Zamfara State,  Nigeria. A customer-based reliability index was used as a tool to evaluate the reliability assessment of the feeder test system. The result showed that alternative 3 gives better results in terms of improvement of the system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), which in turn gives the minimum interrupted energy. Also, it is found that a greater number of sectionalizing switches do not give better results. It is very important to place the sectionalizing switches at a strategic location. If it is located at such points that will facilitate to sectionalize the faulty sections faster and to make the supply available to the unfaulty part of the network. Hence the utility company should apply this mitigation algorithm for system reliability improvement, depending on their needs and requirements. Thus, utilities can optimize network performance and better serve customers by adopting mitigation strategies in addressing trouble-prone areas to achieve a stable and reliable supply Keywords: distribution system; reliability; reliability indices; system performance evaluation; protection system; mitigation algorithms and sectionalizing switches&nbsp

Resilience assessment and planning in power distribution systems:Past and future considerations

Over the past decade, extreme weather events have significantly increased worldwide, leading to widespread power outages and blackouts. As these threats continue to challenge power distribution systems, the importance of mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events has become paramount. Consequently, resilience has become crucial for designing and operating power distribution systems. This work comprehensively explores the current landscape of resilience evaluation and metrics within the power distribution system domain, reviewing existing methods and identifying key attributes that define effective resilience metrics. The challenges encountered during the formulation, development, and calculation of these metrics are also addressed. Additionally, this review acknowledges the intricate interdependencies between power distribution systems and critical infrastructures, including information and communication technology, transportation, water distribution, and natural gas networks. It is important to understand these interdependencies and their impact on power distribution system resilience. Moreover, this work provides an in-depth analysis of existing research on planning solutions to enhance distribution system resilience and support power distribution system operators and planners in developing effective mitigation strategies. These strategies are crucial for minimizing the adverse impacts of extreme weather events and fostering overall resilience within power distribution systems.Comment: 27 pages, 7 figures, submitted for review to Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review

Operating strategies to preserve the adequacy of power systems circuit breakers

The objective of the proposed research is to quantify the limits of overstressed and aging circuit breakers in terms of probability of failure and to provide guidelines to determine network reconfigurations, generator commitment, and economic dispatch strategies that account for these limits. The proposed temporary power system operating strategies address circuit breaker adequacy issues and allow overstressed breakers to be operated longer and more reliably until they are replaced with adequate equipment. The expansion of electric networks with new power sources (nuclear plants, distributed generation) results in increased short-circuit or fault currents levels. As fault currents increase, they will eventually exceed circuit breaker ratings. Circuit breakers exposed to fault currents in excess of their ratings are said to be overstressed, underrated, or inadequate. Insufficient ratings expose overstressed breakers to increased failure probabilities. Extensive common-mode outages caused by circuit breaker failures reduce the reliability of power systems. To durably avoid outages and system unreliability, overstressed breakers must eventually be replaced. Large-scale replacements of overstressed breakers cannot be completed in a short time because of budgetary limits, capital improvement schedules, and manufacturer-imposed constraints. Meanwhile, to preserve the ability of old and overstressed breakers to safely interrupt faults, short-circuit currents must be kept within the limits imposed by the ratings and the age of these breakers by using the substation reconfiguration and generator commitment strategies described in this study. The immediate benefit of the above-mentioned operating strategies is a reduction of the failure probability of overstressed breakers obtained by avoiding the interruption of currents in excess of breaker ratings. Other benefits include (i) increased network reliability, (ii) restored operating margins with respect to existing equipment, and (iii) prioritized equipment upgrades that enhance the long-term planning of power systems.Ph.D.Committee Chair: Meliopoulos, A. P. Sakis; Committee Member: Divan, Deepakraj M.; Committee Member: Harley, Ronald G.; Committee Member: Johnson, Ellis L.; Committee Member: Taylor, David G