An Analysis of the Operation of Distribution Networks Using Kernel Density Estimators

Abstract

Efficiency in the operation of distribution networks is one of the commonly recognised goals of the Smart Grid aspect. Novel approaches are needed to assess the level of energy loss and reliability in electricity distribution. Transmission of electricity in the power system is invariably accompanied by certain physical phenomena and random events causing losses. Identifying areas where excessive energy losses or excessive grid failure occur is a key element for energy companies in resource management. The study presented in the article is based on data obtained from distribution system operators concerning 41 distribution regions in Poland for a period of 5 years. The first part of the article presents an analysis of the distribution of values for the introduced energy density and energy losses in the lines of medium- and low-voltage networks and in transformers supplying the low-voltage network. The second part of the article presents the assessment of the network reliability of the same distribution regions based on analysis of the distributions of System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) values for planned and unplanned outages. Data analysis is performed by non-parametric methods by means of kernel estimators.