Kjell Sand

RELRAD-an analytical approach for distribution system reliability assessment

The use of reliability analysis within the framework of distribution system planning is addressed. A specific model for reliability calculations in radially operated distribution systems is presented. Due to increased outage costs in terms of specific costs of nondelivered power and energy (NDP and NDE), an increased part of system operating costs is related to reliability aspects. Customers outage costs, based on the willingness-to-pay principle, are given the same principal treatment as power system electrical losses. This approach is becoming generally accepted by the power companies in Norway. The reliability model is based on an analytical approach, connecting component failures to load point outages. The description is based on statistical distributions. >

Application of Bayesian networks for risk analysis of MV air insulated switch operation

Electricity distribution companies regard risk-based approaches as a good philosophy to address their asset management challenges, and there is an increasing trend on developing methods to support decisions where different aspects of risks are taken into consideration. This paper describes a methodology for application of Bayesian networks for risk analysis in electricity distribution system maintenance management. The methodology is used on a case analysing safety risk related to operation of MV air insulated switches. The paper summarises some challenges and benefits of using Bayesian networks as a part of distribution system maintenance management.

Moving towards the Smart Grid: The Norwegian case

Encompassing the global developments towards more sustainable and environment-friendly energy solutions for the future, Norway has been developing its own Smart Grid strategy. This strategy follows a path defined by the specific characteristics of the Norwegian energy system and the societal context. This article presents the Norwegian Smart Grid case by collecting the experiences and actions taken by industry, academic and research sectors. The role of power electronics technologies in smart grid research and in industry-driven innovation is also addressed in the paper.

Solutions from a national Smart grids demonstration site exploring a fiber-optic communication infrastructure

The paper presents general background and drivers for the development of Smart grids technologies in Norway, with emphasis on the need for and status on developing national demonstration sites for technology testing and validation. The paper further presents the demonstration site which is being developed at Steinkjer, and what solutions which are being established in the first stagee of developing this living laboratory.

Reliability-Centric Studies in Smart Grids: Adequacy and Vulnerability Considerations

There are diverse visions on how to go about achieving reliability, energy conservation, and efficiency with environmental compliance through the inter-disciplinary integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) and power system technologies to facilitate the modernization of grids. The paradigm of smart grid has been brought forward and is being continually improvised to cater to the energy demands of the twenty-first century. However, the term “reliability” used in invariably defining and outlining the characteristic features of smart grids seems to be in a generic context, and more often than not qualitative. The aim of this chapter is to appraise the challenges presented by the envisioned transformation towards Smart grids in terms of capturing the anticipated quantitative reliability benefits and the growing need for allied reliability-related studies.