Desenvolvimento de métodos e algoritmos para avaliação e otimização da confiabilidade em redes de distribuição

Abstract

The distribution system is an extremely important part of the energy supply. At the same time, distribution networks, most of them with radial configuration, are much more vulnerable elements compared with transmission and sub transmission systems. The world experience shows that up to 80% of all interruptions in the energy supply are caused by failure in elements of the distribution systems. Naturally, a significant increase in reliability can be obtained through re-structuring of the distribution networks. This involves transformation of the traditional overhead networks into protected compact networks, duplication of energy supply alternatives for the consumers, duplication of the distribution transformers and wide use of network automation. All these alternatives demand massive investments. Another way of reliability improvement is related with the installation of commutation equipments. However, this solution should foresee a composition choice of types of equipment, the necessary amount and strategic location that all together can guarantee better results under the costbenefit point of view. The importance and efficiency of these solutions are confirmed through a large number of related researches accomplished in several countries. However, optimal installation of commutation equipments is an extremely complex problem. In the first place, it is necessary to define what means optimal degree of reliability, which is linked with the analysis of several possible formulations for the reliability optimization problem. In the second place, it is necessary to find out which characteristics can be used for reliability estimation and in what ways they should be implemented in the objective functions and restrictions along the process of reliability optimization. In the third place, through analysis of the available data existing in the electricity company, it is necessary to define if this information is sufficient for solution of the network optimal sectioning problem and what is the uncertainty level of this information. Finally, it should be chosen appropriate optimization methods, considering that researches show the impossibility of an efficient use of the linear and non linear programming methods taking into account characteristics of objective functions and restrictions. Furthermore, it is necessary not to forget that, most of the time, this problem should be solved in networks that already have commutation equipment installed. Therefore, usually, the optimization problem is addressed to redistribution of equipments already installed or the installation of additional equipments. This work is an attempt to find answers with respect to all these previously mentioned items, taking into account the operational conditions of the Brazilian electricity companies.