Integration of Open Source Tools for Studying Large-Scale Distribution Networks

Abstract

The penetration of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) is expected to increase in the near future given the attractive incentives from governments, the cost-effectiveness of the technologies and the appearance of Smart Grid schemes. To understand the corresponding benefits and challenges associated with them, power utilities are expected to run more sophisticated studies supported by more accurate and detailed models of distribution network elements and the network itself. This paper presents the development of two software plugins that allow the integration of a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform with a distribution system simulator. These plugins are intended to provide power utilities free and open source tools to explore the benefits and/or impacts of newly adopted LCTs and to analyze Smart Grid opportunities in large-scale distribution networks. The effectiveness of the plugins is illustrated considering a real DN with 13323 customers in Costa Rica. Results demonstrate that the plugins can successfully support in the creation of detailed network models and studies