The impact of simulation studies on the distribution grid operation and planning in Cyprus

Simulation tools offer a wide range of prospective advantages that give utilities and system operators the ability to improve power quality and operational costs. The use of such tools can make the analysis/study of complex power networks simpler, giving valuable answers about the power quality behaviour of electricity networks in the presence of intermittent renewable energy generation and can help in reducing undesirable energy losses. In this work, steady-state simulations are performed by undertaking measurement investigations and model development in order to assess the impact of such studies on system planning and operation. By using DigSILENT PowerFactory, typical feeders of Nicosia district, Cyprus are realized into circuit form and simulated while considering demand and renewable energy production time series measurement data. The aim of the paper is to reveal the operational benefit of using design and analysis tools for proactive or corrective actions. From the simulations, it has been shown that network reconfiguration tasks lead to the reduction of power losses which can inevitably create an economic benefit for electricity utilities. In addition, simulation tools can help utilities meet challenging voltage regulation requirements/issues. One example of eliminating voltage violations through transformer tap optimization is also provided.