Carlos Mateo Domingo

A Reference Network Model for Large-Scale Distribution Planning With Automatic Street Map Generation

A Reference Network Model (RNM) is a large-scale distribution planning tool that can help regulators to estimate efficient costs in the context of incentive regulation applied to distribution companies. This paper presents the main features of an RNM developed for planning distribution networks from scratch, greenfield planning, or incrementally from an existing grid. Two properties of the model are highlighted: the simultaneous planning of high-, medium-, and low-voltage networks by using simultaneity factors; and the layout of cables in urban areas, taking into consideration the street map, which is automatically generated by the model. A case study evaluates the impact of these features on the results.

Large-Scale MV/LV Transformer Substation Planning Considering Network Costs and Flexible Area Decomposition

In the context of incentive regulation applied to electricity distribution companies, reference network models (RNMs) can be a valuable tool to estimate their efficient costs. These models have to plan large-scale electricity distribution areas with different voltage levels. This paper describes the planning algorithms proposed to optimize the location, size, and supply area of the medium-voltage/low-voltage transformer substations in an RNM that has to plan a network from scratch (Greenfield planning). The presented methodology aims to divide the entire planning area into small zones with a nonpredetermined area so that each one can be optimized separately. Then, a heuristic process based on k-means algorithm seeks to find the set of clusters that minimize the cost function, considering the cost of the transformer substations, as well as the LV and MV network costs. The presented case studies show the benefits of applying the proposed methodology.