Smart distribution system design: Automatic reconfiguration for improved reliability

This paper explores distribution system automation, automatic reconfiguration after a disturbance and the impact on reliability in a `smart' power distribution system. The use of network incidence or connectivity matrices is shown and an example indicates the potential operational capabilities of a `smart distribution system'. A discussion of the potential advantages of electronic switching in distribution engineering is also given. The connection with the Smart Grid initiative is made in the paper.