Applied intelligent algorithms to optimized power distribution operation: simulation of switching and fault location modules integrated to corporative IT systems

In electric power distribution, network faults require rapid operator actions to minimize the affected customers and outage time to improve power quality indices. This work presents the development and application of the ADA_USP, a computational platform comprising switching simulation and fault location modules based on intelligent algorithms, which have been integrated to IT systems of the Distribution Operation Centre (DOC). The project was developed within the scope of the R&DI ANEEL (Brazilian Energy Agency) program and sponsored by EDP SP and EDP ES Brazilian utilities. The platform allows the automatic identification of permanent or temporary faults in MV feeders and location of possible fault locations, as well as the automatic determination of the best sequence of tasks for any given occurrence, including tasks for isolating the faulty network portion, load feeder relief, load relocation, restauration and all tasks relevant to team safety and network stability during switching operations. The results demonstrated the functional blocks effectiveness, including OpenDSS software for power flow and short circuit simulations and intelligent algorithms, such as genetic algorithm (GA), being executed in real time and integrated with corporative IT systems such as OMS, SCADA, GIS, Power BI and Technical Maintenance Systems.