Maria Daniela Catrinu

Integrating risk analysis and multi-criteria decision support under uncertainty in electricity distribution system asset management

Abstract Asset managers in electricity distribution companies generally recognize the need and the challenge of adding structure and a higher degree of formal analysis into the increasingly complex asset management decisions. This implies improving the present asset management practice by making the best use of the available data and expert knowledge and by adopting new methods for risk analysis and decision support and nevertheless better ways to document the decisions made. This paper discusses methods for integrating risk analysis and multi-criteria decision support under uncertainty in electricity distribution system asset management. The focus is on how to include the different company objectives and risk analyses into a structured decision framework when deciding how to handle the physical assets of the electricity distribution network. This paper presents an illustrative example of decision support for maintenance and reinvestment strategies based, using expert knowledge, simplified risk analyses and multi-criteria decision analysis under uncertainty.

Methodology for planning of distributed generation in weak grids

Distributed generation (DG) units are increasing in number all over the world, thus providing new opportunities, but also challenges for distribution system operators. This paper briefly describes the status for integration of DG in Norway, highlighting challenges that Norwegian distribution network companies are facing with regard to large scale integration of DG, typically small scale hydro. The paper further reports from a survey describing some aspects of DG integration and existing planning methodologies among distribution network companies. An overall methodology for planning of integration of DG is presented, highlighting different aspects of inherent uncertainty in the planning process. The methodology can be used by the distribution system operators to develop long term network plans taking into consideration the local potential for DG, but also the uncertainty (in terms of timing, location and capacity) for DG development.

Methodology for risk-informed maintenance and reinvestment decisions

This paper presents a methodology for risk-informed maintenance and reinvestment decision support in distribution companies. The methodology incorporates different analyses such as simplified risk analyses, quantitative risk analyses and economic analyses, into a multi-criteria decision support framework. The goal of the methodology is to provide formal decision support for asset managers in distribution companies.

Possible impacts of the new ENTSO-E network code on distribution power systems in Norway

The number of small scale generation units (or Distributed Generation (DG)) worldwide is increasing rapidly. Norway has a large potential for hydropower which leads to expectations that the number of small scale hydro generation units to be connected to the MV distribution system will increase in the years to come. However, as more DG connects, more challenges are induced into the distribution system. In order to ensure stable and secure system operation, several rules and regulations are necessary. This paper focuses on the network code proposed by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) in June 2012, which, when applied in Norway, will introduce new requirements both to the DG owners and distribution system operators (DSOs). The paper discusses some of the changes the new network code will likely impose on the distribution network operators and on the existing and future DG units in the distribution system.