Integration of optimal reconfiguration tools in advanced distribution management system

The paper presents results of a smart grid project, currently on-going, in collaboration with an Italian electricity distribution company (DisCo). The project is aimed at defining new optimization tools to be integrated in the SCADA/DMS that is already implemented within the DisCo control center. In this paper, a DMS architecture that includes Optimal Network Reconfiguration (ONR) functions is presented. ONR, being based on data received through a metering infrastructure and a topology processor, can be performed not only for planning, but also in extended real-time during system operation. Test results are presented for two different operative problems and are carried out on a realistic sized model of a distribution network.