Development of an Automated Distribution Grid With the Application of New Technologies

Abstract

With the advancement of technology and the application of new sensors in the electric distribution grid, in order to increase its automation, meeting the idea of smart grids, a concept that has been expanding through the years. This article describes some of the solutions and results that ENEL Distribution São Paulo has achieved, through its R&D (Research and Development) Urban Futurability project, to make its electricity distribution grid automated and in line with trends and future technologies. The project includes the installation of sensors for monitoring and protecting both the overhead and underground electricity distribution grid and medium and low voltage, digitalization of the primary substation and improvements in the communication infrastructure, seeking their complete automation. The project was applied in one of the largest urban centers in the world, the city of São Paulo, Brazil, with a diversity of load profiles, both residential and commercial, being a great place to test new technologies in different scenarios. With the increased application of automation in the electricity distribution grid, ENEL Distribution São Paulo seeks to provide its customers with a better service, with a safer and more reliable electricity distribution grid, monitored practically in real time and with state-of-the-art technologies. Therefore, the end consumers benefit from an electric distribution grid with greater availability and decreased number of interruptions.

Keywords

• Distribution transformer sensing
• fiber optic communication
• fuse sensing
• grid automation
• primary substations digitalization
• protection in the low voltage grid