Increasing Visibility of Distribution Networks

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The Increasing Visibility of Distribution Networks project developed a system that provides distribution network service providers (DNSP) with increased visibility of their medium voltage networks. The outcomes of this project are continuing to support DNSPs to take a less conservative approach in assessing and approving new customer solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to be connected to their networks.How the project worksThe Increasing Visibility of Distribution Networks project developed a system that provides DNSPs with a better understanding of the operational conditions of their networks, with a new state estimation technique (SEA) that estimates a network’s operational conditions from available data. These estimated results form part of a network analysis tool where the likely impact of the additional PV systems can be assessed.Seven medium voltage distribution feeders – located in South-east Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania – were trialled. Following these successful trials, the system was made available to all Australian electricity distribution companies for rollout on their entire networks.The system was also trialled in real-time mode for monitoring the operating conditions on a medium voltage network section (feeder) with medium-sized commercial PV systems connected to the low voltage (LV) side of local distribution transformers. This trial explored whether customers could supply useful data to the SEA, and the technical feasibility of a dynamic network capacity assessment and allocation to customers currently on static export limits. The trials were successful and demonstrated that there is potential for additional exports beyond the static limits determined during the connection assessment process.

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