Representative power distribution network: a review of available models

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been an increasing penetration of new smart grids (SG) and distributed generations (DG) that are connected to the distribution network (DN). Thus, it is critical for utilities to analyze and assess their impact on the power system networks, which often necessitates major decisions about network operation and planning. Consequently, researchers are constantly developing new and improved methods of advanced control and operation to address these challenges. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of realistic DN models that are made publicly available by the utilities for the development, testing, and evaluation of such new methods. This is mainly caused by the utilities' concerns and reluctance to reveal the public's real and “sensitive” network information. Although international standard test systems such as IEEE and CIGRE are publicly available, these test network models are customized based on the US DN and are not representative of the other networks that operate under different network settings. This paper presents a brief literature survey of existing and prominent representative DNs with a special emphasis on identifying the general description, and application, as a comparison for future development of test network in Malaysia.