Mauricio Sperandio

AHP Decision-Making Algorithm to Allocate Remotely Controlled Switches in Distribution Networks

Continuity in power supply for the consumers is a permanent concern from the utilities, pursued with the development of technological solutions in order to improve the performance of network restoration conditions. Using remotely controlled switches corresponds to one possible approach to reach such an improvement and gives some convenient remote resources, such as the fault detect, isolation, and transfer loads. This paper presents a methodology implemented in a computer programming language for allocation of these devices in electric distribution systems based on the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) method. The main contributions focus on considering the impact of installing remotely controlled switches in the reliability indices and the AHP decision-making algorithm for the switches allocation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated with case studies involving actual systems of the AES Sul utility located in Southern Brazil.

Automatic Restoration of Power Supply in Distribution Systems by Computer-Aided Technologies

The need to improve quality and reliability of Power Systems has contributed to the advancement of research on Smart Grids and related topics. Some challenges that motivate the deployment of such researches include the increasing in energy consumption, environmental aspects, the integration of distributed and renewable generation, and new advances in computer aided technologies and automation. Smart Grids are characterized by a series of integrated technologies, methodologies and procedures for planning and operation of electrical networks. A survey of the main projects and researches related to Smart Grid is presented in (Brown, 2008).

Contracting of energy: An analysis for small-sized distributors

This paper presents an analysis of the power purchase options for small-sized distributors in the Brazilian electricity sector. The analysis is based on the conditions provided for by industry legislation. Throughout the text, relevant topics are discussed to the understanding of the electricity market in Brazil, such as the current structure of the electricity sector, the Brazilian electrical system and the regulatory framework governing the electricity contracting environments. Still presents the models of power purchase contracts and price formation in free markets, regulated and spot. Finally, a case study for a small distributor is displayed. The study was conducted from the elaboration of hiring scenarios where it was possible to identify the alternative that had the best price/risk.

Smart grid concepts applied to distribution network reconfiguration

Topological reconfiguration is an important tool for the planning and operation of electric power distribution systems. Usually, the utilities can use multiple criteria regarding the observation of regulation policies and public awareness to drive the topological reconfiguration. Several researchers are looking for new optimization methods, as the complexity of this combinatorial issue is high in large systems and the classic optimization methods are failing to address the problem reasonably. Additionally, there is possibility to explore the automation equipment applying the concept of Smart Grid. This paper presents a new methodology and computer program for distribution network automatic reconfiguration. The topology is defined in real time and automatically performed by means of remote-controlled switches. The methodology includes a validation by computer simulations based on a multiple criteria decision making method. The developed tool has been applied in a pilot area of a power utility in Brazil.